Carol Fiorillo

Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction and Home Ownership: Will the current plan of action by our government help the recovery of the economy and the housing market? The Wall Street Journal reported that President Obama was considering reducing or eliminating some of our itemized deductions in order to raise money to reduce our nation's debt. The most important itemized deduction to homeowners in-line to be reduced or cut is the mortgage interest tax deduction. While Obama's plan is being presented as a money raising strategy, it is effectively a tax hike. Economic recovery is tied to the value of our homes. Eliminate the home mortgage interest tax deduction and we lose one of the best motivating factors for individuals who currently don't own the roof over their head to seek home ownership. Why go through the process if the biggest tax benefit of home ownership is taken away?

Basic Economics tells us if supply goes up and demand goes down, prices fall. It is hard to imagine home values dropping any more than they already have; but in the month of October, the market experienced another slip. This idea to reduce itemized deductions seems to be more detrimental than beneficial to the overall health of our economy.

We need a plan that keeps buyers motivated and that does not so drastically reduce the tax benefits of home ownership.

My business is focused on the residential real estate market from Woodstock to Canton and all other areas in and around Cherokee County. If you are thinking of selling your home or are hoping to make an advantageous purchase in today's market, calll Realtor Carol Fiorillo at 770-361-5814 to discuss your situation and possible options available to you.

The North Georgia Mountains are beautiful year-round. Today, the fall colors are exceptional. Find your Georgia Mountain Retreat by calling Realtor Carol Fiorillo at 770-361-5814

In the News (again) - Foreclosures: Foreclosures continue to be the top story in real estate news. This week, Bank of America and GMAC restarted foreclosure proceedings in 23 of the 50 states where just two weeks ago they were halted over concerns of faulty paperwork. After finding no significant problems, Bank of America is now moving forward with foreclosure actions in the over 100,000 cases previously in question, as is GMAC in an unspecified number of cases.

Part of the motivation to restart foreclosures in some states was to waylay opinion that severe problems exist in the mortgage industry. This move may have swayed some people. Current statistics show that 1 in 4 real estate transactions is a foreclosure, many of which will now be delayed by at least one month. Halting foreclosures will mean fewer homes will be introduced into the market, but it will also mean delayed or lost revenues and payments of commissions which translate into a lost infusion of funds desperately needed to boost the economy and the recovery process. As in most problematic situations, the clean-up of one mess creates or exasperates another mess somewhere along the line. The problems in the mortgage and underwriting market should remain under scrutiny; but at the same time, focus needs to continue to be on finding ways to speed the recovery of the housing industry and the economy.

Right now, interest rates are at an all-time low, but foreclosures have hit an all-time high. It is time to shift gears away from the "whys" and get to the "hows" to find a solution that will produce positive results.

My business is focused on the residential real estate market from Woodstock to Canton and all other areas in and around Cherokee County. If you are thinking of selling your home or are hoping to make an advantageous purchase in today's market, calll Realtor Carol Fiorillo at 770-361-5814 to discuss your situation and possible options available to you.

A beautiful morning in Big Canoe: It is such a beautiful morning here in Big Canoe....bright, sunny and a cool 66°. Big Canoe has become a part of me starting from my first visit over 20 years ago.

There is something about passing through the main gate of Big Canoe as you head for your destination along the winding road surrounded by a thick forest of trees and plants. A sense of peace sets in as you travel underneath the canopy formed by the ancient hardwoods and hemlocks and pass through the covered bridge. The pressures and problems of the work day start to lift from your shoulders as you soak in the beauty and the quiet created by the natural setting that is preserved within the gates of Big Canoe.

It is such a priviledge to be able to experience the natural works of art you encounter around every turn of the road or as you take advantage of the many walking and hiking trails that are spread throughout Big Canoe. At any moment, you might encounter a herd of wild turkey or the gentle scene of fawns feeding in a clearing as a buck and doe watch over their young.

As a wildlife sanctuary, there are many scenes of nature that you encounter as you enjoy all that Big Canoe has to offer. While the creatures on the ground are wonderful to see, the skies above Big Canoe also offer awe inspiring sights. Each day, you can witness the flight of hawks as you look out over a valley, or see an eastern blue bird perched on a limb just outside your window. While the woodpecker can be an unwelcome visitor at times, they are beautiful with their red plumes and black and white wing spread. Other sights uncommon to the suburbs are the flight of an owl or the beautiful scene of water rushing over the rocks in a creek along a nature trail.

I could go on about the reasons Big Canoe brings me such pleasure, but you should try to experience this for yourself. There are cabins and homes for rent if you would like to spend time. For a day visit, you can attend the Arts and Crafts show that will be going on each weekend between now and the 26th of September in the Choctaw Village neighborhood of Big Canoe.

If you have an interest is buying or selling property in Big Canoe or any other community near Jasper, please call Realtor Carol Fiorillo at 770-361-5814 or visit my Big Canoe website to research homes available in this community.

Arts and Crafts Show - Big Canoe GA: Over three weekends starting September 10 and running through September 26, there will be a "Fine Mountain Arts and Crafts" Show within the gated mountain community of Big Canoe. This event to be held at 901 Choctaw Village will feature over 20 Artisans and 3 galleries.

The works of Ann Young, organizer and artist, will be on display and available for purchase. You will also have an opportunity to meet Ms. Young who is recognized for her use of diverse subjects in her works, as you will note as you view her paintings.

Along with Ann Young, the show will include the artistic renderings of over 20 other artisans. The exhibits of work from these artisans will represent their unique talents in various art modes such as photography, stoneware, baskets, raku, and art glass, all of which will be displayed and available for purchase.

Don't miss this opportunity to view the works of these many known artisans and to enjoy the natural beauty of Big Canoe, an art work in itself. A nature an wildlife preserve, you are likely to see just around any corner in Big Canoe wild turkey or deer. The many nature trails running throughout the grounds of Big Canoe offer the professional and the amateur photographer many opportunities to capture nature at its finest!

If you would like to see available homes in Big Canoe while you are here for the art show or at any other time, please call Realtor Carol Fiorillo with Kelller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners at 678-597-5856 or visit my Big Canoe or my Woodstock GA websites.

My mission is to always be my best and to exceed the expectations of my clients.

Historic Main Street in Woodstock GA: Ever since moving to Woodstock GA some 19 years ago, I have always said that Main Street had so much potential to be like a Virginia Highlands community. There have been attempts to develop Woodstock, but not until recently has substantial progress been made.

The past several years have seen much planning and development to bring this image into reality. The construction of the Woodstock Downtown Condos and townhomes has dramatically changed the look and atmosphere of Main Street. Along with the attractive townhomes, this developments features condiminiums above retail space in a village like setting. Among the many appealing aspects are ammenities such as pocket parks and fire pits for social gatherings, boutique shopping and unique office space.

The development of Woodstock GA has attracted several new restaurants providing a much needed infusion of new and varied cuisines and dining experiences. The Right Wing Tavern occupying the Old Town Woodstock Train Depot offers full-service dining, a full bar and Open Mic night on Thursdays. Pure Taqueria, in addition to full-service dining, boasts an upstairs open air bar and live entertainment. Another popular restaurant is Canyon Burgers that has to be experienced - it is not just a place to get a burger.

Across Main Street are many and varied retail establishments offering, among other merchandise, antiques, bicycles, and furniture. Also, on Main Street is historic Deans Store. Learn about Deans Store and other Woodstock GA historic points of interest at http://www.oldetownewoodstock.com.

The Woodstock GA City Park is a pleasant and relaxing place to spend some quiet time during the day, but also offers many family activities and events throughout the year. The Summer Concert Series in the park which extends from May to September is a popular community event going into its 13th successful year of providing entertainment for the entire family. Did I also mention that it is FREE? Visit the Woodstock Summer Concert Series for more information and the calendar of upcoming concerts.

While the development of Woodstock GA has experienced a successful start, it is still evolving with tremendous potential and community support for future progress. For more information about Woodstock GA, its history and plans for future development and upcoming events, visit the Official Website of Woodstock, GA

Woodstock Georgiais a great place to live, play and raise a family. If you are looking for a home in an established, family oriented and sought-after community, contact Realtor Carol Fiorillo with Success Realty at 770-361-5814 or on my website to find your ideal home in Woodstock GA. Other areas of cconcentration include north metro Atlanta and the mountains of North Georgia.