One of the most desired Johns Creek neighborhoods that we help homeowners and homebuyers navigate is Doublegate. While there are a plethora of swim and tennis communities in North Atlanta, Doublegate remains at the top list of the most sought-after communities because of its active tennis leagues and swim team, its well constructed, large floorplan homes and its convenient location in the heart of Johns Creek.

Perfect for families looking for their forever home, Doublegate boasts a private swim and tennis club with a pool, playground, sports court, six tennis courts with some of the best lighting in Johns Creek, a lawn area and walking paths. Residents are proud to actively participate in over 15 ALTA Tennis Leagues and in 2017, the mixed doubles ALTA team even won the city championship. Each year the neighborhood hosts a Doublegate Open which is enjoyed by players and their families and truly celebrates the tennis community within the neighborhood. In addition, the Doublegator summer swim team league is part of the Atlanta Swimming Association and over 100 children in the neighborhood join the team each summer.

The HOA is also very active and puts on a variety of events throughout the year. One of the biggest highlights is Halloween at Doublegate which features a pizza party, bacon house and a haunted house tailgate.

Doublegate has an appealing wide variety of home architectural styles and large floorplans. Typically homes in the community are four or more bedrooms and many feature basements. Lots range from at least half an acre to over an acre in size.

We’ve been fortunate to help many buyers find their dream home in Doublegate and serve many homeowners ready to sell by marketing and selling their home to our network of qualified, interested buyers.

If you would like more information regarding available real estate in Doublegate or you’re thinking of selling and would like a free, no-obligation property valuation, click here.

As of today's post there are:

• 4 Active Doublegate homes for sale  $454,900/low, $529,000/high
• 0 Contingency Due Diligence Doublegate homes for sale
• 0 Contingency - Other - Doublegate homes for sale properties
• 0 Contingency Kick Out Doublegate homes for sale
• 1 Pending sale Doublegate homes for sale

We’ve compiled a list of the top three Fall festivals around North Atlanta that you won’t want to miss. From art, to live music, to fried fair food, the options are limitless for OTP fall fun.

Duluth Fall Festival: September 27-30

The award-winning Duluth Fall Festival celebrates the sweet history and town of Duluth and kicks off with a Carnival on Thursday and Friday. Then, at 10:00 am Saturday, a Welcome Parade marks the start of the Festival that takes place on Saturday and Sunday. The Grand Marshall of this year’s parade is Duluth native and 1980 Heisman Trophy Winner George Rogers.

To avoid fighting for a parking spot, free, air-conditioned shuttles that drop you off at the front door of the festival. The three shuttle locations leave from Chattahoochee Elementary School, Peachtree Ridge High School and Duluth Middle School. Admission and parking are free for the event. Single carnival tickets cost $1.25 each or you can pay $25.00 for a strip of 20 tickets with 1 free ride included.

Alpharetta Scarecrow Harvest: September 29 

Travel+Leisure recently rated Scarecrow Harvest as the best fall festival in Georgia. This free, family festival features over 100 lifesize scarecrows created by members of the local community and are displayed throughout downtown Alpharetta. At 12:00 pm awards are given for most creative, best personality,  best-constructed scarecrows. The event will feature live music, face painting, festival food, story-telling, and inflatables.

Cumming Country Fair and Festival: October 4-14

If you’re looking for a traditional Fair experience, the Cumming Country Fair is your best bet. This year’s Fair features concerts from Trace Adkins and Confederate Railroad. There will also be a Grizzly Bear Show, and Olympic Dive show and a Human Cannonball show. Admission for ages 10 and under is free and ages 11 and up is $11.00. Parking is an additional $5.00. 

If you're thinking about buying a brand-new home for you and your family, then it's important to make sure you have a plan of action in mind. It's easy to let emotions carry you away with them when you're looking at homes - particularly if you're buying for the first time. However, it's worth remembering that a home is a huge investment, and something that you need to get right  the first-time if you want to avoid any long-term headaches.

To help you get the most out of your time spent viewing your listings, we've put together a guide to the 3 most important things you'll need to look at in your new home. Let's get started.

The Location

There are few things more important in real-estate than the right location. While you can change the décor and even the structure of your home, you'll need to make sure that you've got the neighborhood right, as that's something you'll need to live with whether you like it or not. Consider the following factors when choosing the best location:

• Can you get along with your neighbors? Consider visiting the destination a few times before you decide to buy and looking for opportunities to speak with your would-be neighbors. Knock on their door and explain that you're considering moving to their area. They should be happy to answer any questions you might have.
• Does the neighborhood have the right amenities? Are you close enough to work, playground for the kids, schools, hospitals and stores? Is everything you need in relatively close proximity? If not, do you mind traveling the extra distance?

Is the Structure Sturdy and Reliable?

It's easy to get caught up in the way a building looks when you're a first-time buyer. However, the last thing you want is to move into your new home and discover that it's not as safe and reliable as you thought it was. While it's tempting to get carried away with your purchase, make sure that you're devoting enough time to finding out whether the property is in good condition before you agree to buy.

For instance, one of the most important structural elements all home buyers need to check is the state of the roof. Having the roof inspected before you move in can save you a lot of time and costs later on.

Make Sure It Fits your Lifestyle

Finally, the key to purchasing the perfect home for you and your family is making sure that it fits with your lifestyle. For instance, is your dream home big enough for the family you have now, and the family you hope to have in the future?

Before you reach out to your local movers Bellhops Atlanta to start moving your belongings over to your new home, make sure everything is going to fit. Think about the size and the floor plan, and any plans you might have for the next ten years that might affect your needs. A house is a long-term investment, so don't approach it with a short-term view.

If you live in Johns Creek, you’re likely familiar with the award-winning Newtown Dog Park. What you may not know is that every year the city of Johns Creeks hosts a Pup-A-Palooza for furry friends across the Atlanta area.

On Saturday, September 22 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Mark Burkhalter Ampitheater at Newtown Park, the City of Johns Creek invites you and your furry friend to partake the 2018 Pup-A-Palooza. There will be a Best Dressed Dog and Best Dog Trick contest as well as live music. There will even be a caricature artist, so you can take home a custom photo of you and Fido.

Newtown Dog Park officially opened in 2011 after local resident Pat McNeely won a national contest sponsored by Beneful Dog Food. Since its opening, it has won multiple awards, most recently winning the Best Dog Park in Atlanta by Access Atlanta. The Johns Creek dog park sits on one acre and features artificial turf, sprinklers, water drinking stations, a walking trail and a separate area for small and large dogs. It’s open from 8:00 am - 9:00 pm each day except for Wednesdays, when the park is closed from 8:00 am to 10:00 am for weekly maintenance.

A&S Culinary Concepts brings many delicious opportunities to Doublegate property owners. Chef Andrew Traub got into the food industry at age 15 and never looked back. He has more than 30 years of experience, loves food, and has worked hard to share what he knows with others. A&S Culinary Concepts has much to offer Doublegate property owners. Come for a private cooking class, call them in for corporate catering, plan a private group dinner or family celebration, sign up for a corporate team building experience, and watch for wine pairings, craft beer dinners, and much more.

People Living in Doublegate Take Classes from Chef Andrew

Business owners living in Doublegate can keep A&S Culinary Concepts in mind for team building and catering. Sign up the whole accounting department for culinary combat. Who can perfect the dish Chef Andrew teaches everyone to prepare? Also boost morale and attendance at meetings by offering delicious food from A&S Culinary Concepts. Maybe your staff will even be excited when they see a meeting on the calendar. Find the perfect menu that coincides with any dietary needs at the office. Know that all food is prepared from scratch with homemade stocks, sauces, mayonnaise, and dressings. Signature spice blends, house cured and smoked bacon, and roasted meats are used. Pastry chefs on staff also create scrumptious and beautiful desserts to leave a lasting impression.

A&S Culinary Concepts is also known for its Original Big Green Egg Bootcamps. Whether a beginner griller or a master, there is something new to learn. Find out all of the details of preparing any course on the grill. Make salads, sides, meat, seafood, and even dessert on the Big Green Egg. Impress your family by presenting a beautiful and delicious full meal prepared outside. Find more about the grilling camps, cooking classes, and corporate offerings by visiting A&S Culinary Concepts. 

Anyone living in Johns Creek who is thinking about taking on an investment property should be sure to account for ongoing expenses when calculating the costs of owning and maintaining the home. It is important to plan for the unexpected and also to take into account all known costs when making the decision to buy and how much to spend. You are more likely to get a good return on your investment if you set aside enough money to properly take care of your Johns Creek property.

Be smart in the type of mortgage and insurance that you decide on. If you can, put as much down as possible to reduce the amount of interest you need to pay. Choose a fixed rate mortgage if it is important that your payments do not change, and do your research to make sure you are properly protected by insurance. There are several types of insurance to consider, including building insurance, landlord insurance, and contents insurance. Sit down with a professional, talk about what type of use you expect to have at your property, and decide on the proper coverage.

Make a Budget for Your Johns Creek Property for Repairs and Insurance

Two other costs to keep in mind are maintenance and repair and property management fees. Depending on the condition of the property at the time of purchase, some matters may need to be attended to right away. Other things will pop up at unexpected times. Who knows when the furnace will stop working or the roof will need to be replaced. It could also be a good idea to put a little money into the house and make it nicer so that you could charge a higher rate and make the property more appealing. Lastly, some people living in Johns Creek may prefer to manage their property on their own, but that can be very stressful. A property manager can take care of communicating with tenants, staying on top of maintenance, and being there to take care of issues as they come up. This convenience, however, comes at an added cost and will need to be taken into consideration when calculating ongoing expenses.

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area offers Doublegate real estate owners a beautiful nearby location to get out and explore nature. There is much to do here in the 48 miles of river that meanders through the northern suburbs of Atlanta. Spend some time on the water or explore the many recreation areas on the land near the river. A good place to start your adventure would be the Island Ford Visitor Center, located at 8800 Roberts Drive in Sandy Springs, GA. Pick up maps, chat with the staff about the best places to go, grab a souvenir to take back to your Doublegate home, and pick up an Annual Park Pass if you plan to visit often. Come just for a day and pay $5 or opt for the Annual Park Pass for $40. America the Beautiful Passes can also be used at this park.

Doublegate Home Owners Go Kayaking, Hiking, and Biking

Spend some time floating down the river. Rafts, canoes, kayaks, motor boats, and other small crafts are allowed in the river anytime of the year. Boating is available from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Spend time with friends or family relaxing, fish from your boat, or move quietly to try to see wildlife. The river can be accessed from many locations, and rental equipment is available from area authorized outfitters. If you prefer to stay on the land, there are many miles of hiking and biking trails available.

Visit the park on your own or take advantage of one of the many events and programs offered. Rangers often lead guided walks, there are many volunteer opportunities, and also educational offerings for youth. Be aware that many events and programs do require registration in advance. All who live in Doublegate real estate are invited to view the calendar, find more details and a plan a visit to Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. 

When it comes to buying a Johns Creek home, there are a lot of factors to consider before you settle on the perfect one. First of all, before you start shopping Johns Creek real estate, make a budget. Figure in all your current expenses, along with the upfront costs of borrowing, and a monthly maintenance fund savings. It’s also a good idea to get pre-approval for a loan from your bank, once you’ve researched different banks in the area. Having pre-approval makes it easier for your offer to be accepted when you find the right house. Be aware, however, that it’s not really a good idea to borrow the maximum amount allowed by the bank. The bank is probably not scrutinizing your budget as closely as you are.

Once you know your budget, you can start looking around. If you own a home now, think about what you really like and what you want to change about it. Renters should also consider what works about their current space and what does not. If there’s a particular home you’ve visited that you love, think hard about what works. If you have a partner, go over your lists together. Work out a list of must-haves and things you’d like to have.

Explore the Johns Creek Real Estate Area You’re Considering

Not only do you need to figure out what you want the house itself to have, you need to consider the home’s location. Once again, you need to prioritize. Think about the commute to get to work. How close is grocery shopping? How are the schools in the area? Even if you don’t have kids, be aware that the quality of the local schools can impact house prices. Drive around the area both during the day and the night. Does the area seem safe and stable?

You also want to do some research on the way the market is going in the areas you’re considering. Have prices been moving up or down or staying steady over the last six months? How are other houses selling, in comparison to the one you’re looking at? The other thing to invest in is a professional home inspection. It will be a few hundred dollars, but it can save you a lot of money in the long run if the inspection turns up problems.

Though finding just the right Johns Creek home requires a lot of thought and research, you’ll be happy you put in the time when you enjoy the house for years to come.

Buying a second home can be a great way to invest money and can serve as a rite of passage for those living in Doublegate. This purchase can mean that you have really made it in adulthood, you have enough money to buy that vacation home that you have always dreamed of. However, there are many points to consider when making this decision and it may not be for everyone. Here are a few tips and things to consider before purchasing a second home.

First of all, do your research. Look into what criteria a second home must meet, learn about how this purchase will affect your taxes, and speak to a lender about how a second-home mortgage will work. You should consider whether you want a second home for a vacation property or for an investment and will rent it out.

Doublegate Property Owners Find a Second Home for Vacation or Retirement

Consider a rental strategy carefully if you decide to go that route. Look at similar properties listed in the area to see how much they charge. Make sure the amount you can expect to earn will cover your mortgage payment. Also keep in mind that you will likely have to pay a company to manage the property and be available to renters. Be sure to speak to a tax professional about how a rental property will change your tax bill.

Another thing for those living in Doublegate who are thinking about purchasing a second home to consider are the upkeep costs associated with owning a second property. Regular maintenance will need to be performed. There’s also the risk that something big might come up and need to be repaired. Make a budget taking all maintenance and insurance costs into account, as well as factoring in a fund to pay for large repairs.

Once the thinking and research has been done, make sure not to impulse buy. Rather, look at properties in an area you know you will want to keep coming back to for years to come. Get a local real estate agent and work together to find a property that really meets your needs and wants. Once you find the right second home you can relish in living in your Doublegate property and having a nice investment and getaway or retirement spot as well.

If you’ve been wondering about where to go for a date night or a night out with friends, head to Masterpiece Mixers. The Johns Creek property location hosts both public and private paint parties. Aspiring artists living in Johns Creek will enjoy an evening painting, under the guidance of friendly, supportive teachers. Most classes being at 7 p.m. and go until 9. Doors open 30 minutes before class time, and it’s a good idea to arrive early to get checked in and settled so class can start on time. All painting materials are provided, including paints, brushes, and canvas. Paints provided are acrylic, which can stain clothing. This is a good time to wear clothes that can get messy. Attendees are also welcome to bring snacks and beverages, including adult beverages, to keep the mood friendly and mellow.

Kids Living in Johns Creek Can Sign up for Classes or Have a Birthday Party

If kids under 12 want to come along, they are welcome, as long as they have a paying and painting adult with them. On Saturdays, there are dedicated kids classes, where parents can choose to stay and watch or drop off and pick up when the class is over.

Masterpiece Mixers is also an ideal place to hold a party or corporate team-building event. Rent out the studio for a two-hour block and celebrate! Both kids and adult birthday parties are welcome. Feel free to bring in your own food, drinks, and dessert. Just keep in mind that the studio does not have a kitchen, so there’s no fridge, microwave, or other equipment. Private parties get to choose which painting they do, while public events have a pre-selected image. You can also choose from other projects, including wooden door hangers, decorating wine glasses, and paint your pet. It’s up to you whether you want to hold your event at the studio or at your Johns Creek property.

Visit Masterpiece Mixers to find a current schedule of classes and learn more about booking a painting pARTy!