With uncertainty before us about the state of Social Security and Medicare funding, it’s now more important than ever to have a serious plan about your post-retirement income. After working hard throughout your career, you want to enjoy the time you’ve earned, after all. Financial expert Jeff Rose explains in his article “How to Calculate Your Retirement Savings and Retirement Date” on the Equifax Finance Blog how to avoid having to work again after retirement.
Rose suggests that you consult a financial expert to best map out your economic future, but also offers a few general ideas on retirement planning. Since a lot of people are skittish about the stock market given the tumult of recent years, he suggests that people invest in bonds and CDs. Bonds are debt securities in which the holder of the bond lends money to a safe institution, typically to the government, at a low interest rate. CDs, or Certificates of Deposit, are time deposits that are also very safe and work like savings accounts that are locked in for a certain period and then rewarded interest, usually benefiting a bank, credit union or other financial institution.
With both of these, there is still interest growth but at a very low level which corresponds to their high safety. Rose suggests that while these are good, some risk is required to keep your investment portfolio growing with you. Some stock investments are necessary, and a 25-75 stocks to bonds and CDs mix is recommended as a good place to begin your portfolio.
There’s a lot more to read in the article, from where to start to how to calculate your date of retirement and avoid sneaky pitfalls. For more information about retirement planning, taxes, credit trends, real estate and everything else to save money and live better, check out the Equifax Finance Blog.
As an active adult community with maintenance-free homes and an amenity rich lifestyle, Soleil Laurel Canyon in Canton has much to offer homebuyers. Now, the community is offering even more with incentives valued up to $38,000! Buyers that purchase homes through March 31, 2012* can choose from an additional built-out storage room above the garage, 50 percent off lot premiums, a free golf cart with one year of golf club membership or design upgrades and customizations. With these unbelievable incentives, now is the perfect time to buy.
The first option, the built-out storage room, is great for homebuyers who need extra space. Easily accessible from the garage, the room can be an alternative storage space for those that do not want a basement.
For buyers that want to build on homesites overlooking the golf course, lake or woods, they will receive 50 percent off. This incentive allows them to purchase premier homesites at fantastic prices.
Soleil’s neighboring golf course, Fairways of Canton, is just a short ride away in their new golf cart. Homebuyers will receive a 12-month membership that includes unlimited golf Monday through Friday.
Lastly, the community’s huge Design Gallery is an oasis for upgrading and customizing with over 100,000 decor elements and samples. For buyers that want to turn their new houses into homes, this is the perfect incentive. Soleil’s onsite design consultant, Lisa Szeder, will help them through the process of selecting the ideal interior and exterior finishes. Homebuyers will be able to choose from a variety of flooring, wall colors, cabinetry, lighting, exterior siding and so much more. Their homes will truly represent their lifestyles and distinctive tastes.
Each of these incentives gives homebuyers the opportunity to experience more of what Soleil has to offer. For more details about this community, please visit www.SoleilLaurelCanyon.com.
*Incentives are for new construction only and not purchases of existing homes.
Jim Chapman Communities has started 2012 with a new model home opening. Located at the builder’s active adult community, Brookhaven at Lanier Ridge in Cumming, the model home features the Westminster II. The home is fully furnished and showcases how the community’s affordable, maintenance-free ranch condominiums can beautify and simplify lives.
The model home is beautifully designed and has 2,475 square feet of living space with three bedrooms and three full baths. The gourmet kitchen features stainless steel appliances, custom-built cabinets, large pantries and abundant counter space. The oversized master suite offers homeowners a walk-in closet and spa bathroom with double-vanity sinks, tiled floors and large walk-in shower. Additionally, the model includes a finished bonus room that is perfect for guests or even a hobby room. To make the Westminster II even more suitable for active adults, Jim Chapman Communities has added a covered porch. This space is great for gardens, rocking chairs or even entertaining.
Priced from the $230,000s, the Westminster II makes an excellent addition to Brookhaven at Lanier Ridge. The community is gated and offers many amenities. Residents enjoy a community clubhouse with a kitchen, fully-equipped gym and large, heated swimming pool with a nearby outdoor fireplace. So that residents can have more time for fun, lawn and exterior maintenance are included in the homeowner’s association fees.
Brookhaven at Lanier Ridge is located near shopping and recreational opportunities. Residents can visit North Point Mall, Mall of Georgia, Perimeter Mall, Cumming Marketplace, Mary Alice Park & Boat Ramp, Country Club of the South, Bears Best Golf Course and even Lake Lanier Islands Resort. The community is also close to medical facilities, including Northside Hospital Forsyth, Emory at Johns Creek and North Fulton Regional Hospital.
To visit, take GA 400 North to exit 14 (Cumming/Buford Hwy). Turn right onto GA-20 and go approximately two miles. Then, turn left onto Samples Road and take an immediate left into the community just past Publix Supermarket.
For more information about Brookhaven at Lanier Ridge, call Joan Wise at 770-780-9095. Also, check out www.JimChapmanCommunities.com.
Windsong Properties Starts 2012 with Steady Pace
By · CommentsWindsong Properties is excited for what 2012 will bring. The award-winning active adult ranch home builder has started the year at a steady pace. For instance, eight homes are due to close in the first quarter with firm contracts at Greystone Village and Windsong at Seven Hills. The builder hopes to use this momentum to keep growing as the year continues.
After four homes close at Greystone Village in East Cobb, the community will be sold out. Greystone Village features elegant ranch homes with private courtyards. Homes also have rear entry garages and welcoming front porches. With a convenient location and prices from the $290,000s, the homes sold quickly. In fact, Windsong Properties was able to sell all 11 homes in seven months.
Windsong at Seven Hills in Dallas still has homes available. The community already has 25 active adult residents and a completed amenities package that includes a new clubhouse, pool and play area for grandchildren. Priced from the $190,000s, Windsong at Seven Hills features four distinctive two and three bedroom home designs with courtyards. Terrace level lots are available.
Each home has step-free access, extra-wide doorways, level handles, ample space in the baths and other features that facilitate changing life situations. Additionally, Windsong at Seven Hills offers maintenance free exteriors with weekly lawn care and trash removal service provided by the Homeowner’s Association.
The community is in a quiet, mountain setting but has easy access to shopping and dining in Dallas and Hiram and is just a short drive to downtown Atlanta.
To visit Windsong at Seven Hills, take I-75 North to Glade Road (exit 278) and turn left. At the third traffic light, turn right on Highway 92. Turn right on Highway 41. Pass Highway 92 and turn left at the traffic light on Cedarcrest Road. Windsong at Seven Hills is located in the Seven Hills Community, approximately a half mile on the right.
Come grow with Windsong, take a tour today! For more information, visit www.windsonglife.com.
The Orchards Group Features Home of the Week
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The Orchards Group is excited to feature its “Home of the Week” at The Orchards of Habersham Grove in Cumming, Ga. From its lush, landscaped yard to its unique interior, the Ashewood will not be on the market long. Originally priced at $262,175, the home is now $199,990. Plus, it is one of only two remaining homes in this completed neighborhoods of 88 homes. Take a tour today!
This maintenance free ranch condominium has many special details. Two spacious bedrooms and two full baths make it easy to have guests or even grandchildren stay the night. The second bedroom can even be used as a home office or craft space. Both bathrooms feature dark maple cabinets, granite vanity tops and upgraded plumbing fixtures.
The Ashewood also has beautiful hardwood floors in the foyer, kitchen, dining room, living room and sunroom. The sunroom is perfect for impressing guests, sipping lemonade during the summer and watching leaves fall during autumn. During the colder months, turn on the gas burning fireplace and keep the large living room feeling cozy.
Any chef will love the home’s kitchen. It boasts 42” dark maple cabinets, granite countertops and a walk-in pantry. The kitchen opens to a large, formal dining room that easily sits family and friends. With enough space to hold pots, pans and guests too, the kitchen and dining room are great for entertaining.
Additionally, the Ashewood includes upgraded interior paint throughout the home and a true walk-up attic for storage from the two-car garage. The garage also has space for a workshop, large enough to hold all of those tools and gardening supplies.
Residents of Habersham Grove enjoy tons of amenities such as a pool, exercise room and even an activities room for playing cards, socializing and more. With a vibrant Homeowners Association, yards are able to be maintenance free and residents have more time to have fun.
The community is only minutes from shopping, restaurants, entertainment, Northside Hospital, Lake Lanier and GA 400. With so many opportunities, make your next move to Habersham Grove!
The model is open on the weekends or by appointment. To take a tour, please call 678-455-8101. Also, visit www.orchardsgroup.com for more information on all of our active adult communities.