Lee Davenport

Are you ready to sample some of Sandy Springs' finest local cuisines? Are there Sandy Springs restaurants you have been meaning to try but just have not had the chance?

Well, now is your time! Mark your calendar for the 3rd Annual Taste of Sandy Springs, which will be held Saturday, May 30th on Sandy Springs Circle at Sandy Springs Place. If you purchase your tickets by May 22nd, you will receive bonus food tickets so do not delay. Visit http://www.tasteofsandysprings.org/ for more details.

Is FHA the right choice for you as you purchase your first or next home? It just maybe.

Although FHA-insured loans lagged during the housing boom, they are skyrocketing now because of the low downpayment needed. What do homebuyers need to know? Click here to learn more about the FHA process: What to Know About FHA Loans

There are so many charming townhouse communities in Sandy Springs and Wyngate At Spalding is no exception! If you like the ease of maintenance townhouses provide and the quick access Sandy Springs provides to Marta, GA 400, I-285, Downtown, Marietta, Alpharetta, etc., then Wyngate At Spalding is a must see.

The townhouses in this gated, swim/tennis community are currently priced in the high $200,000s with 3 bedroom floor-plans. Many of the spacious brick, 2-car garage units feature open kitchens with spacious fireside keeping rooms, huge master bedrooms, high-end media rooms, master bath with jetted tub, hardwoods on main level, stainless steel appliances and much more.

Want to take a peak at this Wyngate At Spalding? Contact places2love@gmail.com or 404.444.5777 for more details.

Here's a list of programs that are either operated by the U.S. government or have its seal of approval:

1. To find a counselor, contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at (800) 569-4287 or (877) 483-1515, or go to www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hccprof14.cfm
2. Call (888) 995-HOPE, the Homeowner's HOPE Hotline to reach a nonprofit, HUD-approved counselor through HOPE NOW, a cooperative effort of mortgage counselors and lenders to assist homeowners.
3. Visit NeighborWorks America's Web site at www.nw.org/network/home.asp
   Go to this Web site for information on federal mortgage modification and refinancing programs: www.makinghomeaffordable.gov
4. The Controller of the Currency's consumer information site for banking-related questions is www.helpwithmybank.gov
5. OCC Customer Assistance Group and consumer assistance site: www.occ.gov/customer.htm
   
6. Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/homes/rea04.shtm
   
7. Federal Reserve Board: www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/foreclosurescamtips/default.htm
   
8. NeighborWorks America: http://www.nw.org
   
9. HOPE NOW: www.hopenow.com

Source: Controller of the Currency (04/21/2009)

Have you ever wanted to receive emergency notifications directly to your phone, especially when there is inclement weather and you aren't near a TV?

The City of Sandy Springs is now using two emergency notification systems. SWIFT 911 is a high-speed notification system that, in the event of an emergency, contacts every household either by phone, email, text or pager. The City is also registering residents into its CodeRed Weather Warning system. For more information about these programs visit the City's website and click on the icons on the CodeRed (http://www.sandyspringsga.org/tPanel.aspx?P=79481f69ab4c4e289919f56eb43462e0) or SWIFT 911 icon (http://www.sandyspringsga.org/tPanel.aspx?P=597ae086a3fd4fc58f27d08224721743).