I did a quick google search for “hamilton mill business” today.  I wanted to see which local businesses come up in the search results.  Since I spend so much time working on internet marketing, I’d definitely want to support those businesses that are working at it also.  At this point, in 2010, everybody knows that having your business show up in search results is an important part of running a local business.  But, most people don’t know how to make it happen. By the way, if your local business is in the Hamilton Mill area, then any search phrase that includes those words should be important to you.

Granted, the original phrase I used might not be the best one, but it’s what I started with.  If you search for “Hamilton Mill Movie Theater” or “Hamilton Mill Golf Club” or whatever, you’d get totally different results of course.

As a side note, I was very happy to find that HamiltonMillDwellings.com came up second in these search results.  I wasn’t even looking for that but it’s a nice bonus

Congratulations to Children’s Dentistry at Hamilton Mill for being the only other local business that came up in the results “above the fold” (where you can still see them without scrolling).  It wasn’t there actual website that came up, it was a Yahoo local listing (yes, they come up on google too!).

Interestingly, a german company called Hettich America apparently signed a huge commercial lease in the area recently.  Those results came up as #1 and #3 for this search.

Let us know in the comments here about your local business.

Hey Hamilton Mill, we at Diamond Dwellings Realty wanted to let you know about the upcoming career fair that the Gwinnett Daily Post is holding on April 18th from 10am-7pm at the Mall of Georgia.

Get the scoop on the latest job opportunities in our area at the Gwinnett Daily Post Career Fair 2008. Top employers from various industries will be represented. Companies such as Home Depot, Kroger, Gwinnett County Schools and many more are looking for candidates to fill numerous positions in the area.

If you are looking for a career change this may be your opportunity to find the right job.

You can get more information by logging onto:

http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/main.asp?SectionID=7&SubSectionID=7&ArticleID=11946#Employers:

Once again, the Hamilton Mill Children’s Consignment Sale is scheduled to commence in the coming weeks! This is a “do not miss” for anyone looking to find those slightly used clothes and toys for all age ranges. This event has become a staple in the community and is very popular so make sure to plan to be there.

Hamilton Mill Children’s Consignment Sale

Saturday, April 19 from 9-4

Sunday, April 20 from 1-5

GlenAire Subdivision

2143 Floral Ridge Drive

For more information hamiltonmillconsignment.com

Gwinnett County announced yesterday that they have removed three companies from their list of approved trash companies. Among them was Red Oak Sanitation. Red Oak is providing services to a large number of Hamilton Mill residents — including my house! Apparently, Gwinnett recently revised insurance & bonding requirements. Red Oak, JC Roadrunner & Quality Waste didn’t make the cut. You can get more details on the story at this link. A complete list of approved service providers is on the Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful website.

One of the questions I am repeatedly asked when I am working with Buyers of resale homes in Hamilton Mill is “Why are you asking for a home warranty in our offer. If this house is as nice as we think why do we need a warranty for it?”

The reasons are simple: Because you need and want it!

As I sit here writing this post, it is 59 degrees in my home because the main level heating system is not working and yes, I too have a warranty on my home. I called the warranty company last night at around 10pm, and expect have someone to the house today to fix it.

In May of 2006, we bought our second home here in Hamilton Mill (The 1st home had a warranty as well) After one year in that house, I calculated that I saved over $6000 dollars in repair costs by having my home warranty. This is the first phone call I have had to make to Old Republic Home Warranty this time around and am curious to find out how much I saved. The original cost of the first warranty I was able to get the seller to pay for, and this years, the cost was on me. $425. Warranties are renewable and I would urge you to seriously consider purchasing a second or third year warranty as well.

Warranty companies typically charge a $50-$100 “Trip Fee” that covers part of the cost but I can tell you it is peanuts in comparison to what the overall cost of one or two repairs would normally have been charged.

Our home was built in 1998 and we had an inspection done prior to purchase but some times things happen to homes the age of mine. Here is a brief rundown of the items that have been covered thus far.

1. Recirculating Hot Water Issue – Savings $800 (First week we were in the home)

2. Lower level AC unit needed replacement – Savings $2100

3. Main level AC exterior unit replaced – Savings $1900

4. Refrigerator Compressor replaced – $500

5. Automatic Garage door thingy replaced – Savings $350

6. Leak from a upstairs bathroom – Savings $250

I will update the savings this time around once we get the heat back on and I can feel my toes.

PS: We also strongly urge our new listings to have a warranty as well once a home is listed for sale. The cost is nothing prior to the sale of the home and many items are covered while you currently are marketing your property.

Ever been surfing the net on some obscure website and find something that is all about some specific thing that is right in your backyard! I found this neat website that is all about the Good & the Bad of URLs. They had just recently written a post about DaculaDoctors.com and had commented favorably about it. Nice to know that URLs (and websites) can be done well vs. somethingreallystupidllcbbdpdq.com

We’ve found a fantastic new option for birthday parties near Hamilton Mill. My oldest is turning 6 in a few days and we were struggling with plans for the party. Low and behold, just as we were about to hire a magician and rent a “bounce house,” we found out about the Young Chef’s Academy. For about the same price as booking a child’s party at a jumping venue, you can book a Chef’s Party. The kids create, cook and consume their own masterpieces! The package is complete with chef hats, party favors, cake cutting/serving; they will even send out the invitations for you – that’s what I call convenient. The Academy also offers cooking classes for your aspiring chef! Who knows, you may have a Wolfgang Puck, Alton Brown, Bobby Flay or Gordon Ramsay ready to emerge in your very own home. They have multiple locations in Gwinnett County, very close to Hamilton Mill. Visit them at: www.youngchefsacademy.com. The Young Chef’s Academy provides a fresh alternative for your next birthday or kid’s event.

Hamilton Mill Tennis just held their 2nd annual Tennis Extravaganza. This special event raised funds for non-budgeted improvements to the tennis facility. We had 64 players, and over 100 total participants on October 20th. The tennis event was sponsored by Diamond Dwellings and Prince Tennis. Players were divided into 8 “countries” and many sported the colors for their country. Italy was the grand champion, defeating Austrailia in the finals. Food was provided by Antonetta’s, Asian Cafe, Chili’s, Dos Copas, and Log Cabin BBQ. Special thanks to Karen Foley (Simply Tastefully) for the delicious appetizers and munchies. Funds raised will be used for additional shade on court and at spectator areas, and for an online reservation system. The winning team also won a case of tennis balls from Diamond Dwellings!