Georgia Dream Hardest Hit Fund Down Payment Program Ending October 1, 2020

The Hardest Hit Fund Down Payment Assistance Program (HHF DPA) provides up to $15,000 in down payment assistance to eligible households purchasing an existing home in seven of Georgia’s hardest hit counties: Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, Muscogee, Douglas, Chatham and Bibb. The Hardest Hit Fund Down Payment Program will be ending on October 1, 2020. Last Date for Loan Registration: on or before June 30, 2020 Final Date for Loan Approval/Commitment: on or before September 1, 2020 Final Date for Loan to be Purchased: on or before October 1, 2020.

For existing home purchases up to $200,000 (higher price limits apply for Atlanta and surrounding areas) Household income limits apply Minimum credit score of 640 Minimum required investment of $1,000 Other eligibility requirements may apply

For additional information, visit dca.ga.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program?

The Georgia Dream program was created to make homeownership possible for eligible low and moderate income Georgians by providing affordable financing options, down payment assistance, and homebuyer education.

2. How does the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program work?

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) acts as the secondary market for lenders who want to provide an affordable mortgage product to low and moderate income Georgians.  Potential home buyers apply with participating lenders for Georgia Dream loans.  The loans are secured or guaranteed by FHA, VA, USDA-RD or conventional uninsured loans.  Once the lender has completed the process and gives credit approval, the information is forwarded to DCA for compliance review and funding approval.  Georgia Dream rates are available from your participating lender.

3. Who is an eligible applicant?

An eligible applicant is a first time home buyer, or a home buyer who has not owned a home in the past 3 years, or a home buyer who purchases a home in a targeted area (See What is a targeted area?).  Applicant must have a minimum middle credit score of 640, must meet income and purchase price limits and must have limited liquid assets.  Refer to the brochure or contact a participating lender at https://www.dca.ga.gov/GeorgiaDream/  for current program guidelines.

4. What is a targeted area?

An entire county or a census tract in which at least seventy percent (70%) of the families have a Household Annual Income that is eighty percent (80%) or less of the state-wide median family income, or an area designated by the State as an area of chronic economic distress and approved by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of the U. S. Department of Treasury.

An eligible applicant does not have to be a first time home buyer if they purchase in a targeted area.  To check if you are in a targeted area, see page 5 of the Georgia Dream brochure for a map of Targeted Counties.  Check with a participating lender for a list of targeted census tracts.  An eligible applicant purchasing in a targeted area may not own any other real estate, and may not be on title of any other real estate at the time of closing on the Georgia Dream loan.

5. What if I have owned a home in another county or state, but I did not live there in the past 3 years?

If you can demonstrate that the home was rented or used by someone else, and that you lived in another residence, then you may qualify for the Georgia Dream program.  However, you cannot own other real estate when you close your Georgia Dream loan.  The previous home would have to be sold, or your name would have to be removed from the title.

6. How long does the Georgia Dream process take?

The average Georgia Dream process takes about 60 days from application to closing.  A delay may occur if the applicant does not provide the documentation necessary for the lender to complete the application and process the loan.  Many lenders may complete the process with a shorter timeframe.

7. How do I apply for a Georgia Dream loan?

Georgia Dream loans are originated by Participating Lenders across the state.  These lenders can take your mortgage loan application for an FHA, VA, USDA-RD, or conventional uninsured loan and process all paperwork required by the Georgia Dream program.  You do not apply directly to DCA for the Georgia Dream Homeownership program.

8. What do I do first?

a.  Contact a participating lender to be prequalified.  If you qualify, you can start your home search process.

b.  Take a home buyer education class.  Georgia Dream requries all applicants to attend Housing Counseling classes, workshops, or one-on-one counseling that is provided by HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agencies.  Applicants must contact and attend a class with one of the Housing Counseling agencies on DCA's website or HUD's website or applicants may complete the online class at http://www.ehomeamerica.org/dca. The charge for these classes can range from $50 to $100.

9. What is the "Ready, Set, Go" program?

Online and individual pre-purchase housing counseling assistance is available through the "Ready, Set, Go" program to assist home buyers who are not eligible for Georgia Dream (if the middle credit score is below 640).  After an interactive online course a home buyer will receive personalized housing counseling from a participating "Ready, Set, Go" Housing Counseling Agency at http://www.ehomeamerica.org/dca.  The cost for "Ready, Set, Go" is $50.

10. What is the income limit?

The maximum income varies by county and by the size of your household.  See page 2 of the Georgia Dream brochure.   For the Georgia Dream program, "income" means the total income of all household members.  However, some income may not be included.  For example, the income of students under the age of 18 is not included.  Discuss your total household income with your lender.

11. What is the liquid asset limit?

An applicant may have liquid assets of no more than $20,000 or 20% of the sales price of the home being purchased, whichever is greater, at the time of closing.  GIfts of substantial amounts are considered liquid assets.  Stocks and other readily salable securities are considered liquid assets, unless they are restricted by IRA, 401(k) or other similar requirements.  IRAs, 401(k) plans and other similarity qualified retirement accounts are not considered to be liquid assets. 

12. Who sets the interest rate I will be charged?

DCA sets the interest rate for all Georgia Dream loans.  A participating lender must use the Georgia Dream rate and approved fees.  No uncommon fees or discount points are allowed on Georgia Dream loans.  The lender reserves the rate electronically and the rate is locked for 75 days. (We typically change the rates weekly but reserve the right to change the rate more often.)

13. What are ratios?

Two ratios are used to qualify applicants for a mortgage loan.  The housing ratio is the percentage of your potential new monthly mortgage payment, including monthly cost estimates for property tax and homeowners insurance as compared to your gross monthly income.  The total debt ratio includes your prospective new monthly mortgage payment plus your existing debt payments compared to your gross monthly income.  Your lender can calculate these for you and discuss if your ratios meet the Georgia Dream program ratio requirements.

14. How much money will I need to have?

The applicant must contribute a minimum of $1,000 of their own money or documented gift funds into the purchase transaction in order to receive the down payment assistance.  There may be additional costs associated with the purchase of your home that will be your responsibility.

15. Who do I make my first mortgage monthly payment to?

State Home Mortgage will be your servicer and all mortgage payments will be made to State Home Mortgage on the first of each month.  You will receive a coupon at closing for your first payment.  For questions regarding your mortgage payment, please contact State Home Mortgage at 1-800-781-8346.

16. Do I have to pay back the down payment assistance loan?

Yes.  The down payment assistance is a 0% interest loan with no monthly payment.  A second mortgage lien is placed on your property.  It is due when you sell, refinance or no longer occupy the home as your primary residence.  When funds are paid back we use the money to help the next generation of applicants start the process.  The Georgia Department of Community Affairs may offer other down payment assistance programs that could have different requirements regarding repayment of the down payment assistance.  Information regarding other programs will be on the Georgia Dream website.

17. May I pay off the first mortgage loan early?

Yes, there is no prepayment penalty with the Georgia Dream program.

18. Who do I contact for payoff information on my first or second mortgage loan?

Contact the servicer, State Home Mortgage, for a payoff quote on your first and/or second mortgage at www.statehomemortgage.net or 1-800-781-4346. 

The Truth about Zillow, Redfin Homes.com etc....

Yes.. you surf the sites for hours upon hours day in and day out!  You click on each home you love and fill out forms and inquire about the availability and the pricing of that to good to be true property! Only to find that multiple agents are calling you back to inform you that the home you inquired about is not actually available but they would LOVE to work with you as your buyer agent to show you other properties!

You have been "CAT FISHED"!  Yes!  these sites mine all county records and credit reporting agency's they advertise "pre forclosure" homes as if they are for sale and they actually assign a phantom price to the property based upon what?  Maybe the mortgagors loan balance or the property tax value or some other algorithm they come up with that is not accurate. 

They may also leave listings open and not close them out once they expire or are pending and sometimes you will even find listings that have closed long ago still being marketed as available. The goal of these sites is to make it appear as though they have the MOST inventory over an above any of the other real estate websites.

What you need to know is that these kinds of websites are simply MARKETING websites.  They drive local buyers and sellers to their website in another state to gather your information and they SELL marketing share to advertisers and real estate agents to buy leads.  They charge agents from several hundred to thousands of dollars per zip code in each market. This is how they make their money. Through advertisement and selling ad space to Real Estate agents, Lenders, and any other company that markets on the site.

This is why you will get numerous calls and emails once you put your contact into the site for information about property inquiries.

Before these companies, most people that were looking to purchase or sell their property received recommendations from family or friends and maybe saw a post card or advertisement. 

If you have used these sites you will probably notice that once you decide to work with a local agent they will try to provide you with a much better search mechanism that discard off market properties and allow you to focus on those homes that are actually available for sale.

Our industry also does not use the "zestimate" as a valuation for property.  We know the public uses this and it can be at times a little frustrating as it is not really accurate only a basic average of public records and some homes that may or may not have recently sold. We still do not really know for sure. 

BPO (Broker Price Opinions)  and appraisers typically use a "Sales Comparison Approach" to value a property, meaning that use compare the 3 most similar properties in a 2 mile radius looking for the most similar properties.

So essentially just be aware that the primary goal of these websites are to drive traffic to charge for advertising to "re route" you back to your local agent!!! Thus again silicon valley turning everyone into an "Uber" but that's a whole other blog!

If I can help you with your real estate needs or if you have any questions please let me know! Thanks for Reading!

We have to talk about Property Tax Sale Scams

Like you it seems as though I am always seeing advertisements to get rich quick helping people recover money the government has stolen from them!  As a Realtor for over 20 years I have seen almost all of it, however with the housing market getting tighter and the hedge funds with long money buying up the foreclosures in Bulk and everything else they can get, the scammers are out and more aggressive than ever!

One scam that is currently going on is in the County Tax Sale arena.  As a realtor I do not participate in these sales.  Tax Sales are typically held monthly by the County in which the property is located. The debtor is a Public Record and the amount they owe the county is also made public.  They may or may not have a 1st lien holder on the property. It is all up to the prospective bidder to investigate, in addition to about how much the property is worth.

The County holds an auction to collect the taxes after sending numerous notifications to the property owner.

The County sets the opening Bid for the amount of back taxes owed however the investors typically bid much more for the property to acquire it.  Once the Bid has been accepted, the new buyer must pay the County that day in cash for their Bid amount or there are other repercussions the County may impose against them.

They must also wait through a redemption period of at least 12 months as the original homeowner is given the opportunity to pay the back taxes plus a fee of at least 20% to reclaim their property.  If the homeowner does not reclaim the property after this time, then the county will issue them the remaining money collected after the taxes have been paid.

This is where the scam comes in at.  The homeowner only has to fill out a 1 page form to reclaim their own money. It is easy and not complicated at all!  They can call the county to get the form mailed to them or download the form which verify's they are the rightful recipient of the excess funds.

There are companies that call, send letters, and convince these homeowners to ASSIGN THEIR RIGHTS over to the company who promises to collect the balance on their behalf and pay them a portion!!  Yes!  These companies also push their webinars for hundreds of dollars to they can teach you to also be a scam artists!!!

Poor and elderly are the most injured by these tactics because they oftentimes are susceptible to sales tactics and pressure and some are not sophisticated enough to understand that they can ask the County for help in this matter and that one should NEVER Assign away their rights to any property they own without careful consideration of WHY they are doing it.

This is big business for some people and companies and it is only going to get worse.  As a Realtor I have a code of Ethics.. but not every Realtor does.  I will write another article on this very topic alone, but  for now.. please never assign your right away on your property.  Contact a trusted adviser to help you understand what your property is actually worth and to assist you in discovering the best option if you need to dispose of the property.  Just because it needs repairs or may have some issues with title or probate, a trusted adviser can help you make the best decision for you and your family and ensure that YOU are the one that primarily profits from that decision.

You have nothing to lose.  Realtors are paid at a closing unless they charge a retainer for their consulting services.  But it is best to find out the highest and best use for your property and pay the commission. Is it really a deal if someone offers you $25 cash on your property and didn't tell you they are going to assign it to someone else for $125,000 and they will be making 100k?  or if you are offered $5k for your property you lost in a Tax sale but you didn't know that 100k was paid for the property at the tax sale and you just lost $95,000? 

We have to talk about these things and spread awareness in our community.. folks we are being robbed blind...

I am not an attorney but have been in this industry for over 20 years and unfortunately have seen not all of it .. but MOST of it! and I am happy to use my knowledge base to help people.  There has to be a place you can turn to that puts Ethics above and beyond profit.

Let me know if I can help!

10 Things I wish I did before Contacting a Real Estate Agent

So you are thinking about Home Ownership?  That is AWESOME!!  There are so many reasons why it is in your best interest to be a home owner.  The main one being pride in Ownership!  People typically take care of and have more pride in things they take ownership of and are responsible to maintain.   You can comfortably improve your property because it is yours!  You can plant flowers, paint your walls, add decorative improvements all while you are typically saving money on your take return and many times gaining equity over time.

But Before you contact a Realtor you should think about your WHY'S!!!!   and you should be prepared to work with a Realtor and better understand their role in your big WHY!

1. Obtain all three credit bureau reports by going to www.annualcreditreport.com .  The very first thing that must be done is a review of your credit.  Before you look at a home a Realtor will ask you to speak with a lender to obtain a prequalification letter.  The lender will obtain a copy of your Mortgage Credit Report and ask you for your income details to determine how much home you are able to purchase.  Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 640 to purchase and if you are trying to obtain down payment assistance the credit score requirement will be higher.  It is best for you to get a copy of all of your credit reports and pay for the score so that you can begin to take steps if necessary to get your credit score to requirement to purchase.  If you do not understand how to increase your score then this is a good time to speak with a lender or an agent to ask them to provide you with some insight or resources for a credit counseling or restoration company that is reputable.

2. Review Your  Income and Create A Budget This is very important as a home purchase is a very large financial transaction and typically one of the largest that most people make in their lifetimes.  You will want to review your income and take a look at your monthly budget to determine where you are over spending and where you can eliminate unnecessary expenses to help you save toward your home purchase.

3. Save for the cost of Home Purchase which includes Earnest Money, Inspection, Appraisal, Down Payment and Moving Expenses.  Once you have completed a review of your budget then you can plan to save for your home purchase.  There are many items that you will have to be prepared for if you plan to buy a home.  Once you have located a property with your Realtor you must have the earnest money to secure the contract.  The earnest money is credited to you at the closing table but you will have to be prepared to place it upfront until you close. Also the earnest money secures the contract to ensure that you meet your contractual obligations so that you can close. Earnest money can typically be any where from a thousand dollars to a percentage of the purchase price of the home.  You will also need to have the inspection money available. I recommend that everyone obtain a home inspection within the due diligence period of the contract to ensure there are no major issues with the property and if there are items that need to be addressed you will have the opportunity to ask the seller to make the repairs prior to moving forward with closing the property.  The appraisal is also and expense that you pay to the bank for the valuation of the property.  Appraisals also typically depend upon the size of the property and type of loan.  You will need your down payment that can be 3.5% for a standard FHA loan to 5%-20% down for a conventional loan. It is also determined by the type of loan you obtain and your credit score. 

4. Think about all the reasons WHY you want to Own A Home Before contacting a Realtor be sure that you have thought through all your WHY's for wanting to purchase a home.  Buying a home can be an emotional process and it is best to be emotionally clear and committed to the process of home ownership.  Do you SEE yourself in your own home decorating?  Making meals, enjoying the outdoors?  Do you see yourself  entertaining friends or having room for when family comes to visit?  Do you see yourself making life or family size changes?  If you have children do you have a desire for them to have their own bedrooms and their own yard to play in or a safe neighborhood and other children to make friends with?  Have you thought about all of the reasons WHY you want to be a home owner?  If you know your whys then you will be more motivated to follow through on the items required to make your dream or home ownership a reality.

You are asking a TEAM of people to spend their time money and resources to help you obtain your dream of home ownership and if you are not COMMITTED to your side of the transaction then you are honestly wasting everyone else's time. 

5. Determine about How much home you  think you can afford.  You will want to think in terms of the monthly payment that you are comfortable with and look at the homes in the area you would like to live in to see if you are in the ball park of affordability.  Everyone has Champagne tastes but not everyone has a Champagne budget.  Think about the monthly payment that you can afford and what this translates to in terms of the price range of home that you can afford including Principal Interest Taxes and Homeowner Insurance.  Once you have an idea of this Home price range you will be able to then think about the area/location.

6. Decide which area or side of town that I want to live on. Which area you choose will typically depend upon where you work and what you can afford.  Most people do not like long commute times to work, however some people do not mind sacrificing the commute time for the type of home they see themselves living in.  When you determine your price range and begin to do a cursory online search you may find that the homes in your price range in your desired locations many not be what you like or see yourself  moving into. You also may not even like the homes available or the neighborhoods near where you work for a variety of reasons.  Before contacting a Realtor it is best to have a general idea of where you want to actually live.  If you are unsure then take a drive by different communities or areas you are considering prior to asking an Realtor to show you homes in an unfamiliar area.

7. Think about what home style that I like the most. Do you like New Construction Homes? Homes that no one has lived in before you?  Do you like old homes with Charm and Character? Is a large yard/home site important to you?  Are you looking for an established neighborhood or a live work play area with good walk scores?  Are schools important to you?  You are buying the Micro and the Macro in terms of the neighborhood and the home that you chose.  Remember that homes that are considered "resale" homes will have wear and tear in terms of cosmetic items and aged mechanical's that may have to be repaired or replaced.  Are you thinking of buying a "fixer upper" then remember your bank loan will determine whether you will be able to accomplish this as well.  Most lenders have requirements for property condition when it comes to the loans they provide. Are you considering a townhome or a condominium? These are all items to consider in your initial stages of deciding what type of property to purchase and WHY.

8. Understanding the purchase time frame Once you obtain your pre qualification letter from a lender it typically expires within 60-90 days. That means if you do not purchase a home within that time frame then you will have to complete the process again.  It is also best to note that all homes that are existing are a 30 to 45 day move in.  If the property is new construction and depending upon the stage of construction you go under contract at will determine the closing date which will still be an estimate.  Therefore if you are looking to purchase in a year or 2 you are way to premature to ask a Realtor to begin working with you to show you homes.  Once you ask a Realtor to show you property then you should be prepared to have your qualification letter, money saved and ready to move within 30-45 days or be prepared to go under contract on a new construction home with a later close date.

9. Learn about offer submission and the market that I am buying in.  We all have heard the terms "Buyers Market" and "Sellers Market". These items are somewhat relative in their interpretation.  Generally speaking a "buyers market" is one where there is an excess of comparable inventory in the market and buyers may have more ability to negotiate due to the surplus of inventory.  In a "Seller's Market" there is typically not enough inventory and a seller and you may see seller receiving multiple offers and not having to do things like contribute toward buyer closing costs and other buyer demands to get their property sold.  It is helpful to understand which so called "market" you find yourself in so taht you can better manage expectations.    In any market you will always see those properties that are price just right for their location and property condition and those that are over priced due to their particular circumstances.  With regard to submitting offers the market simply means "what price a Seller is willing to sell at and what price a Buyer is willing to buy at".  Each person has a perspective and value proposition.  Therefore a property may have certain characteristics that you may value MORE or LESS than another buyer.  I have found it is best to understand what a "low ball offer" is. It is an offer typically 10% or more less than asking price of the property.  Lowball offers are sometime insulting to the seller and not considered unless there is a distressed situation and the property has been on market for an extended amount of time, meaning more than 60 days.  Just because you want to offer every seller 20k less than list price does not mean they have to entertain your offer or even respond to it and it is not a good strategy if you are serious about going under contract on a property.  You should also know that the real estate industry does not use "Zillow" to value property either.  Zillow and sites similar to it are real estate marketing websites that are advertising to you so that they can sell you products and services and compete with your local agent from their headquarters in Silicon Valley.  Local agents use our local MLS and Tax Records and knowledge of local markets in addition to viewing our inventory to estimate property values. Also the homes will be valued by an appraiser that the bank will send out once you are under contract to make sure that you are not over paying for any property.   Have a discussion with your agent regarding offer submission and expectations prior to going out to view property.  

10. Making decisions can be tough!  So if there is another decision maker or significant party that you need authorization or permission from or who you will need to ultimately consult, be sure to involve them in the process along the way.  Many deals are killed because one person has done all the other processes, but the other decision maker is not in agreement with some item and the transaction cannot more forward.  This is also important when viewing property.  If you need your significant other to have the final say, be sure that you select property and view together so that decisions can be made in a timely fashion. Your Realtor may not be able to accommodate "double showings" of property viewings, because you went out and saw the homes but you want to bring the other decision maker back out to view as well.  

I hope this helps get some of the items for consideration established so that you can have a good and positive experience and have to right expectations for those you involve in your Real Estate transaction.  Remember, your Realtor, Lender and others are here to help you FACILITATE your desires!  They are not mind readers and do not determine nor control the real estate market nor interest rates and other items but they are your support team ready to help walk you through the process and answer any questions you have and help you every step of the way to owning your home!!

Water's Edge Community Stone Mountain Georgia HOA Information Mover's Guide

Waters Edge Subdivision is a beautiful planned unit development that was created by Arvida.  The lake community is situated around a breathtaking, 140 acre scenic lake.  Water’s Edge is an elegant Club community that blends the aesthetics of lakeside living with the enticing advantages of a truly active lifestyle.

Located in DeKalb County, within 30 minutes access to downtown Atlanta, and many of Georgia’s nationally recognized landmarks, this prestigious Stone Mountain address offers our homeowners the benefits of owning a new home in a well-established, wooded community surrounded by the peace and tranquility of Mother Nature.Water’s Edge offers one of the most generous amenity packages in all of metro Atlanta.

• 140 Acre Lake
• Sailing
• Fishing
• Swimming Pools are Located in Lakeside, Dockside , Water's Edge at the main clubhouse
• Tennis
• Boat Ramp
• Boat Dock
• Clubhouse
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Playground

Managed by Homeowner Management Services Inc.

P.O. Box 2458
Alpharetta, GA 30023-2458

Phone: 770-667-0595
Fax: 770-667-6315
HMS@HMS-inc.net

IMPORTANT REMINDER

TO WATER’S EDGE HOMEOWNERS

 Absolutely no changes to the exterior of your residence, i.e. cutting down trees, repainting, replacement/repairing a roof, driveway repairs/repainting/pouring, fences, decks, etc…may be done without prior approval from the Architectural Control Committee (ACC).

 There has been an influx of reports of residents having roofs replaced and cutting down trees without obtaining approval from the HOA. You may obtain applications for your proposed changes via the website or thorough the management office.

 STRICT FINES ARE IMPOSED FOR NON-COMPLIANCE (Article 5.05).

 Please refer to the following Articles in the Declaration of Covenants:

 5.05 (Page 18) Design Standards. “…Nor shall any existing structure upon any lot be altered in any way which materially changes the exterior appearance of the Structure of lot, unless plans and specifications therefore shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by ACC.”

 6.05 (Page22) Landscaping. “No construction or alteration of any Structure shall take place without the prior written approval by the ACC of the plans for the landscaping.”

 6.06 (Page 23) Trees. “No tree…shall be removed from any lot unless such removal is in conformity with approved landscaping plans…submitted pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.05.”

 If you have questions, please call the management office at 770.413.1144 or send an email to the ACC Committee at acc@watersedgehoa.com. Thank you for your cooperation.

                                              
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       A Message From Your Property Manager

A great number of complaints which come into the management office are calls which have to do with pets in some way or another.  They are not on a leash, roaming neighborhoods, noisy, dirty, messy; pet owners are not cleaning up dog feces or just have too many pets.  This has caused feuds and threats to break out among otherwise reasonable people.  It really points out that pets can be a real problem in creating and maintaining harmonious association living.

Most pet-related problems can be resolved by exercising a little common sense.

·         Keep your dog on a leash.

·         Keep your cat indoors.

·         Clean up after your pets.  Don’t allow your pets to defecate on your neighbors’ lawn.

·         Keep pets reasonably quiet so they don’t disturb your neighbors.

And IT’S THE LAW!

 It is the duty of every pet owner to ensure that their pets are kept under restraint.  Sec. 5-2 of Dekalb County Code states; “ It’s the owners responsibility to take all necessary steps and precautions to protect other people, property and other animals from injury or damage resulting from their animal behavior, including, but not limited to, chasing, biting, or otherwise jeopardizing the safety or welfare of the public.”  Additionally, Sec. 5- 5 of Dekalb County Code states; “   It shall be unlawful for the owner of an animal to allow it to run at large unattended… on or about the streets…”

If a resident is having problems with unwanted stray animals, call Dekalb County Animal Control at 404.294.2947.  It is the homeowner’s responsibility to report such incidents and the County’s responsibility to investigate complaints.

Water’s Edge Pet Policy, instituted in September 2003 indicates that the Board of Directors shall have the right to impose fines on a resident who has a pet considered to be a nuisance to any resident.  The first offense will be a warning to the pet owner and Dekalb County Animal Control will be contacted.  The second offense will be $25.00 and the third offense will be $50.00.  Additionally, substantial fines can be imposed by Dekalb County Courts ranging between $300.00 and $500.00.

The truth is that the world is divided into pet owners and everyone else.  Be respectful of each others’ choices.  If you have a dog, seek instructions and follow ACC guidelines for installation of a pet containment area in your backyard.

Most importantly and the easiest thing to do is to adhere to the Water’s Edge Pet Policy and DeKalb County Codes for Animals.  This will go a very long way in creating that harmonious community living environment that both pet owners and non-pet owners are entitled.

10 Reasons to move to Stone Mountain Georgia! Ultimate Guide!

The Ultimate Guide if you are thinking about moving to Stone Mountain

1. Down Town Stone Mountain

Downtown Stone Mountain offers many fun things to do, there are festivals, events, Art Gallery's, Art strolls, Restaurants, Plays and events during the holidays.

2. Farmers Market

Stone Mountain Farmers Market has had a successful start. We have a delicious array of food and beautiful accessories. The Market is open from May 14, 2019 to August 27, 2019 on every Tuesday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM in the Municipal Parking Lot

3.  Stone Mountain Park!

 

Is a Major Attraction for Stone Mountain. 

https://www.stonemountainpark.com/Activities/Shows-Entertainment/Lasershow

Lasershow History

The Lasershow Spectacular debuted in 1983 on the world’s largest screen, the 825-foot-tall granite outcropping.

In 2008, for the 25th anniversary, the sound system and pyrotechnics for the Lasershow were amped up. 

Innovative when the show launched, the lasers, over time, began to look elementary. In 2011, Mountainvision was launched employing state-of-the-art digital video projection to give the show 3-D-like effects without the need for 3-D glasses. Video opened up a dramatic difference and allowed for new options that the lasers weren’t capable of. Mountainvision can do things like, turn Stone Mountain into a Volcano spewing lava down its sides or the rock crumble right before your eyes. The projection is five times the size of an IMAX screen!

NEW FOR 2019, The Rockin’ Land & Lake Tour is a guided, interactive journey through Stone Mountain Park. Each family-friendly trip is personalized with an expert tour captain for a one-of-a-kind experience every time you ride!

This high-energy, 40-minute journey begins with a tour around the park on Atlanta’s only open-top, double-decker bus. Guests will discover the Park’s iconic areas including the Historic Square, the museum at Memorial Hall, Summit Skyride, and so much more.

Following the scenic land tour, guests disembark the double-decker bus and take to the water for a sightseeing cruise around Stone Mountain Lake. Discover Goat Island, Canoe Island, Carillon and more while soaking up all the spectacular views on board a custom pontoon boat. Then complete your journey with a rockin’ ride back aboard the double-decker bus.

From fun-filled attractions to special summer entertainment and the nightly Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision, it’s the perfect destination for you and your family to unplug and reconnect this summer.

https://www.stonemountainpark.com/Events

4. Stone Mountain has so many Festivals and Fairs!  There are things to do almost every weekend and especially during the holidays!. 

NATIVE AMERICAN FESTIVAL AND POW WOW

Bring your family to experience the energy and color of the largest Native American gathering in Georgia. The four-day Native American Festival and Pow-Wow was named a Top 20 Event by the Southeastern Tourism Society.

Quarry Exhibit

This outdoor display was developed to tell the story of an industry that played a significant part in the history of Stone Mountain. Throughout the years, 7,645,700 cubic feet of granite were removed from the mountain. This is equal to one-foot-long paving stones stretching from the North Pole to the South Pole (12,444 miles)!

5. Hiking Trails, Picnic Areas

Stone Mountain Park features 15 miles of hiking and walking trails, including the 1 mile trail to the top of the mountain which starts at the Confederate Hall Historical & Environmental Education Center.

Walkers, joggers, and bicyclists can circle the mountain on Robert E. Lee Boulevard, a 5 mile loop. Motor vehicle traffic is one-way between Confederate Hall and the Grist Mill so you can enjoy wide dedicated lanes for jogging and biking

WALK-UP TRAIL TO TOP OF STONE MOUNTAIN

While on top, 1,683 feet above sea level, enjoy amazing views of downtown Atlanta, the North Georgia mountains and the surrounding area. On a haze-free day, you can see 60 miles from the mountain

Get outside with REI in the East Lake area of Stone Mountain Park. Join REI Outdoor School instructors for classes, outings, and stand up paddleboard, canoe and kayak rentals.

6. Dining and Places to Eat!

Think fresh. Fresh outdoors. Fresh food. Fresh dining. Marketplace at Stone Mountain Park offers Great Food to Go, making it easy to enjoy your day and evening at the park. From mid-morning snacks to complete dinners, many healthy and satisfying choices are within quick reach in a friendly atmosphere. The open style market provides your family with lots of ready-to-go choices

Dining & Full Bar

965 Main Street

Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Delicious Pizza Place with a Full bar for fun casual dining in Down Town Stone Mountain.

Pizza Cafe

5370 Stone Mountain Hwy #1030

Stone Mountain, GA 30087

T  /  770 - 413 - 6717

 

CalaBar & Grill

4144 Redan Rd
Stone Mountain, GA 30083

5099 Memorial Dr
Stone Mountain, GA 30083

El Torero Mexican 

Restaurant

Arden's Garden Juice

4895 Stone Mountain Highway Unit C 
Lilburn, GA 30047

7.  Shopping Centers

Stone Mountain Square

5370 US-78, Stone Mountain, GA 30087

7. Movie Theaters and Entertainment

NCG STONE MOUNTAIN

1825 Rockbridge Road Stone Mountain, GA 30087
Located in the Stone Mountain Festival Shopping Center
Showtimes: (678) 476-1020

2075 W Park Pl. Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30087

Get Air has thousands of squar feet of wall to wall trampolines to jump bounce and flip for hours of fun. There is an open court of trampolines and plenty of games and a foam pit for fun and safety.

Netherworld Haunted House

2076 West Park Place Blvd
Stone Mountain, GA 30087

http://fearworld.com/wordpress/tickets/

8. Golf Courses

36 Holes of Championship Golf

Located in one of the most popular attractions in Georgia, Stone Mountain Park, just minutes from downtown Atlanta, Stone Mountain Golf Club features two championship golf courses and offers scenic views of historic Stonhe Mountain and Stone Mountain Lake.

What makes Stone Mountain Golf Club such a remarkable experience is the unique personalities of its two courses. The Stonemont Course is a classic challenge that places emphasis on accuracy and strategic course management. The Lakemont Course complements Stonemont with a less demanding, target-oriented layout and exquisite views of Stone Mountain and the surrounding lake.

Stonemont Course
Designed and built in 1969 by the renowned Robert Trent Jones Sr., this masterpiece has offered a pure test of golf from all tees since its inception. The Stonemont Course at Stone Mountain Golf Club has played host to numerous national, professional events as well as Georgia amateur championships.

The Stonemont Course is laid out over gently rolling and cantered fairways of premier Bermuda grass and greens of immaculate bent grass. The par 70 layout stretches 6,863 yards, and is challenging with its narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers and numerous stands of Georgia pines.

Lakemont Course
Georgia native John LaFoy designed the Lakemont Course at Stone Mountain Golf Club. It features incredible views of Stone Mountain and the lake.

The front 9 holes of the Lakemont Course wind around Stone Mountain Lake, with six holes having water in play. The back 9 offers beautiful holes with rock outcroppings and four holes where water comes into play. LaFoy's penchant for mounding and dramatic bunkering is evident throughout the course. The dramatic elevation changes offer a unique ambience that appeals to every golfer.

9. Assisted and Independent Senior Living

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Active living, Assited Living and onsite healthcare!  Park Springs is an amazing community that services Seniors to facilitate active involved social and supportive lifestyles through all stages of retirement.

They have amenities, activities, rentals and homes to purchase.

Park Springs

500 Springhouse Circle
Stone Mountain, GA 30087
General Information
770-879-4330

10. Parks Recreation and Trails!  

Stone Mountain is located in both Dekalb and Gwinnett Counties so the park systems are the best of both Worlds!

Wade Walker YMCA is an awesome facility with camps, a water park and exercise facility for a low monthly membership!  Swim, Team Sports and outdoor recreation areas make for a great experience!

Trail Guide Yellow River Park 3232 Juhan Road, Stone Mountain 30058 General, Program and Rental Information: 678.277.0900

Deshong Park 

Featuring a skateboard park, basketball courts, playground walking trails and picnic tables.. Deshong Park is a free fun adventure for hours of fun.

These are just a few things to do in Stone Mountain and great reasons to relocate to the area, and if you need a Realtor to find your dream home please do not hesitate to contact me!  770-231-2253 Thanks for Reading!