Around Atlanta Home Sales Update

Home staging tips from Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate

2013-11-11T10:23:00.000-08:00

2013-11-05T07:43:00.000-08:00

Highlights From the 2013 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers

2013-10-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

(New!)

Home Prices Are Rising: Yea! But That Also Means Higher Costs

With improved equity comes higher costs for property taxes and insurance. Here’s how to manage them smartly. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Seller-Agent Relationships are Important

2013-10-21T13:32:00.001-07:00

The importance of communication between sellers and listing agents.

Where are the sellers?

2013-07-16T09:35:00.001-07:00

If you are like most homeowners today, the recent downturn (or landslide as most my view it) in the housing market has got you scared to list. Most sellers were impacted by reduced market value due to the overwhelming amount of foreclosures took over the market. But the tide has changed significantly in the number of houses, including foreclosures, on the market today. Most buyers are now in the position of competing with multiple offers on the very limited housing inventory available. This has caused prices to start creeping back up.

So my question is this... Where are all the sellers?

Open House! Today 2 - 5 p.m. Chance to win $1000

2013-04-21T08:59:00.000-07:00

Back in the Saledle Again!

2013-01-28T08:03:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since my last post. I was energized by the surge of interested buyers toward the end of the year. Along with that surge, however, came the decline in available homes on the market to sell. So I guess that's the world of Real Estate.

I look optimistacally at 2013 as a year of continued growth in our local Georgia economy. This of course, will lend itself to more home sales and eventually more increase in our home prices as less foreclosures enter the market. Seller's get ready...it's your time again!

I wish you the best in 2013!

Housing Inventory is Down, Home Prices are Creeping Up

2012-09-28T10:09:00.000-07:00

No one can deny that the housing market is really active here in Atlanta. Those buyers who are still on the fence may find themselves looking back later to a missed opportunity to get in while prices are still low. Fact is that the high competition out there for homes due to decreased inventory is real.

Non-REO sellers may also regret a missed opportunity if they hesitate about listing their property for sale. Reduced foreclosure inventory means more opportunity for their homes to shine in a brighter light. I also offer a word of caution though. While the sales prices are going up for many homes, sellers still need to price within the present market. Utilizing Realtor who has a pulse on your specific market area is crucial to a setting a successful sales price.

If you ask agents in those in the market many homes are getting into multiple offer situations within DAYS of arriving on the market. Don't stay behind the curve. Ride this wave before it washes ashore. Missed opportunity usually leads to regret.

Buyer's Recognize the Value of Using a Realtor

2012-09-20T11:08:00.001-07:00

Many buyers eventully recognize the need to utilize a Realtor's expertise after trying to maneuver the volatile real estate market.

New Georgia Real Estate Law Goes Into Effect

2012-08-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

For those under contract in a real estate purchase: “ Effective immediately, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 44-14-13, all funds exceeding the sum of $5,000.00 brought to a closing must be in the form of wire transfer only. No official or certified or cashier’s checks can be accepted. "

Magnificent New Home For Sale in Conyers, GA

2011-10-31T19:31:00.000-07:00

6 Bedrooms, 6.5 Baths
20+ ft. Ceilings and Stream Light Throughout
Large Custom Crown Moldings in Every Room
Sound System Piped Throughout
Large Master Suite with His & Her Bathrooms, Private Laundry Area, Wet Bar and Two Walk-in Closets
Parlor Features Bay Windows and Full Bathroom
Large Eat in Kitchen with Custom Trimmings and Stainless Appliances
Cozy Den with Pine Ceiling & Tiled Fireplace
Large Laundry on Main Floor w/Half Bath and Chute from Second Floor
Terrace Level: Second Kitchen, Gym, Media Room, Large Billiard Room, Office, Bedroom and Full Bath
Alarm; Inground Sprinklers; Ambient Lighting
3 Car Garages
Accents: Brazilian "Ubatuba" Granite, Tumbled Marble, Slate, English Limestone, Ceramic Tile
Swim and Tennis Community

Click here for Virtual Tour

Have you seen the DEALS out there?

2011-01-28T03:30:00.000-08:00

Well everyone, I don't know what else to say but that I'm excited about all of the affordable homes out there! I know that the economy isn't at it's best and there is a great need for jobs. On the other hand, those who have fairly stable jobs or cash in the bank should seriously consider buying a home now. This is not just a pep talk to boost sales or the economy. Just one look at the local MLS (or better yet, just scroll down to see homes on this sidebar or on my website) and you will know just how many homes are on the market at incredible prices.

It is very common today to see a house sold for $50K and sometimes less! There are also many programs out there that potential home buyers seem to have forgotten about. Down payment assistance programs have not gone away, neither has some home buyer readiness programs. I see them every day. Before you give up on the market, really look at the market. There's a lot more to it than you see and many times it only takes for you to know the right resources to get you started. Still, there are a few points to remember:

1) Only buy what you can truly afford

2) Always allow room in your budget for the unexpected

3) Even if the lender says you can afford more, you can buy less

4) More space can also mean more heating and cooling costs

5) Newer isn't always better. (Many of the older homes that are priced lower are high quality homes at a great price!)

6) Always consider the taxes

7) Sometimes the lowest price isn't the best deal

8) While it is a buyer's market, don't expect the seller to give it away. Those days are gone!

9) Don't try to do it alone. Hire a Realtor who knows the market.

Make sure you're ready to buy

2010-10-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

You've heard the many advertisements about getting off the fence and buying today. I'm a Realtor, we embrace the slogan. While it is a great market with phenomenally low prices and interest rates, those who have heard the call to action need to act in more ways than one.

Many times home buyers watch the market trends, speak to co-workers or others that have recently bought a home and then assume that they are ready for a home purchase because the Jones' did it. On the other hand, there are some who are so afraid of their past spending activity that they never consider home ownership as an option. Before jumping to either conclusion, get all of the information to make an informed decision whether home ownership is the right thing for you right now.

1) Consider your present financial position: Are you comfortable in what you are paying for where you live now? Would additional items like unexpected repairs, lawn maintenance and insurance place you in a crunch. After careful consideration you may feel comfortable taking the next step.

2) Do you have savings for a down payment? While there are programs that offer down payment assistance, regulations and qualifications vary. Even with most down payment assistance programs a buyer will need to have available funds for earnest money and closing costs. Simply hoping that an assistance program will get you in the door may not be enough for you to close on a home.

3) Do you know your credit rating? Lenders are tightening their belts and their standards of qualifications for home buyers. Credit scores less than 620 are not in the game anymore. Many lending institutions want a median credit score of 640 to even be reviewed. Accessing your credit score for free is simple. Consumers are allowed one free report per year and there are various companies that provide credit details and monitoring for a fee. For those who want to learn more about credit reports and how they affect purchasing power, here are two very informative books, "Best Credit: How to Win the Credit Game, 2nd Edition," by Dana A. Neal and "Credit Repair," by Robin Leonard and John Lamb Attorney.

4) Get pre-qualified by a lender. I know it sounds painful, but it has to be done. I can't tell you how many people approach me about buying a home, but are afraid to get qualified to really make it happen. A pre-qualification has a great value to the buyer, the agent and the lender. This process simply helps buyers understand whether or not they are able to buy a home at the time; how much house they can afford; what their interest rate will likely be as a result of their credit rating; and how much money they will need for down payment and closing costs. The worst thing that can happen during a pre-approval process is that the buyer is told that they are not ready to buy a house yet and what steps they can take to become a more able buyer in the future. It saves everyone frustration and disappointment caused from searching for a home and then not being able to purchase it.

Once these initial steps are taken, the buyer is equipped with the necessary information to make their home search a bit easier. For example, the amount of buying power a home buyer has will ultimately determine the location that they are able to afford. And as we all know the three main things in buying a home ... location, location, location! Finding the most ideal location for the determined purchasing dollar is a task that is the next challenge. I'll talk about that in my next post. In the meantime try to determine if you are truly ready for the rewarding title of Home Owner.

Tax credit has ended, now what?

2010-05-05T09:14:00.000-07:00

Although the tax credit deadline has passed and many have taken advantage of it, there are still thousands of great deals out there for homebuyers. Don't be discouraged about losing the credit. Foreclosure properties are numerous, providing a great number of properties that are a great value and non-REO home prices have begun to stabilize providing great competition for the foreclosure market.

Home sellers are also starting to realize that lowering prices to meet market conditions is the way to go. For some that leaves a short sale situation that can be guided by a qulaified Realtor and the lender. For others that simply need to sell, some profit can still be made.

I encourage home buyers to consider non-REO (private) sellers as well as foreclosures. A private home seller is usually more flexible and cooperative than many of the banks. Why not open yourself to purchasing a property where the property condition IS disclosed, repairs can be negotiated easier.

Being realistic when buying a home

2010-04-08T07:58:00.000-07:00

There's a lot of activity in Georgia right now! Buyers are frantically searching for homes to take advantage of the tax credit that will expire at the end of the month. Some buyers that have decided to come into the home buying arena at this last hour are realizing that there's a lot more than just finding a great home.

Earlier home-searchers often took the plentiful offerings of foreclosures for granted, feeling free to disregard many great privately owned homes that are also on the market. This caused bidding wars on foreclosure homes and frustration among buyers. Sellers with older, less updated homes have to work to strategically to price their homes to compete with today's growing foreclosure market. Their struggle is to sell without coming out in the red and owing the bank...in other words avoid a short sale.

Buyers also have to be realistic when looking for a home. While there are great deals out there, chances are that a home that was foreclosed on may have been highly priced and the bank still needs to recoup their investment. The same holds true for short-sales. While a buyer may be getting a home priced below the last owner's purchase price, the challenge comes from the bank's willingness to accept a lower price.

These situations are where a skilled negotiator is needed the most. Both buyers and sellers should realize the value of a Realtor. Working with a Realtor who is familiar with all of the dynamics of the buying/selling process, foreclosures and short sales is the vital component toward a winning situation. The mistake that most buyers make early in the process is one that causes them to be frantic in the end. They maneuver from agent to agent and real estate website to real estate website hoping that each will be better than the next or offer a home that the other doesn't have. While all agents and websites are not created equal. The basics are. A buyer needs an agent who is familiar with their needs and is working on their behalf. Without the commitment of a dedicated agent in return for the commitment of the buyer to the agent, the system gets confusing and usually ends up unsatisfactory. The same goes for sellers. An unrepresented seller opens the door to potential problems. Pre-qualification, local and Federal guidelines, legal binding contracts and disclosures are usually well beyond the scope of the average seller's expertise yet they are vital components in EVERY real estate sales transaction. Many seller's get overwhelmed with the process soon after realizing this. Calling a professional in the beginning will usually ease many of the pitfalls of selling as a For Sale by Owner.

In regards to websites - all offer the same homes from the same MLS services formatted with a different layout. The professional Realtor is the difference. They can guide you through the buying process, provide updates on property and communities, prepare bids for HUD homes (you must enlist a real estate agent for this), prepare contracts, refer professionals for inspections and warranties and guide you through the buying time frame.

Don't be fooled by the many do-it-yourself sites out there. While the pickings are many, the complexity of the market can be better handled by those trained for it. Commit to a Realtor that you can trust. They can work one-on-one with you to find and buy your dream home. You'll be glad you did.

2009-12-09T11:40:00.000-08:00

Better Homes and Garden Real Estate Metro Brokers gave their agents the updated brand with a spectacular show. Kudos to Kevin Levent and all involved in planning a great day!

Metro Brokers joins Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate - Atlanta Business Chronicle:

2009-12-09T11:22:00.000-08:00

Metro Brokers joins Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate - Atlanta Business Chronicle:

Around Atlanta Home Sales Update

Home staging tips from Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate

Home Prices Are Rising: Yea! But That Also Means Higher Costs

Seller-Agent Relationships are Important

Where are the sellers?

Open House! Today 2 - 5 p.m. Chance to win $1000

Back in the Saledle Again!

Housing Inventory is Down, Home Prices are Creeping Up

Buyer's Recognize the Value of Using a Realtor

New Georgia Real Estate Law Goes Into Effect

Magnificent New Home For Sale in Conyers, GA

Have you seen the DEALS out there?

Make sure you're ready to buy

Tax credit has ended, now what?

Being realistic when buying a home

Metro Brokers joins Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate - Atlanta Business Chronicle: