Weekly Real Estate Market Report

Stats Show Peachtree Corners Real Estate Market on Upswing

A look back at February, 2013 gives us a hint of what is to come for the Spring real estate market.

As we march into the spring market, the weather may be chilly but the real estate market is hot, hot, hot. Sales in February continued to be strong and I continue to be optimistic about the spring market for 2013. Inventory remains low. There are currently 83 homes on the market in Peachtree Corners. Compare this with this time last year when there were approximately 114 homes on the market. The exciting news is that 43 homes are under contract and are scheduled to close in the next few months. There is a 3.9  month supply of homes available for sale. That is up slightly from last month's 3.5 month supply. There was over a one year supply of homes at this time last  year. That market definitely favored the buyer. Presently the market …

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Weekly Real Estate Market Report

Home Buyer's Guide: 7 Tips To Negotiating a Contract

Have you located the ideal Peachtree Corners home but there are multiple contracts on it? Here is a buyers' guide to getting the home you love in today's competitive market.

As the real estate market slowly changes from a buyer’s market to a balanced and in some cases seller’s market, buyers needs to be aware they may find they are competing with other offers on homes they wish to buy. A well priced home in good condition will attract offers. How do buyers structure or position themselves so that they are the offer chosen?  Here are a few tips to make sure you get the home you have fallen in love with. 1. Make sure your offer is reasonable. If you know there are several offers on a home, yours must be full price or close to it. Make sure you provide pre-qualification letter with your offer. 2. Increase your earnest money. This is a great way to show your commitment. You will get your earnest money back if you …

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Weekly Real Estate Market Report

My Home Is Not For Sale

Complicated advertising procedure in the real estate industry sometimes makes removing a sold home listing a daunting task.

I received a call this week from a Peachtree Corners homeowner who purchased one of my listings three years ago. This homeowner stated that a couple of neighbors had called and asked if she was selling her home. They had recently seen it on the Internet listed for sale. I’ll try to explain here as I explained to her what is happening in the real estate industry today that caused her home to be shown as an active listing. Once a home is listed in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), a chain of events occur that are out of the hands of the real estate agent who listed the home. Yes, I have control up to a point. However, when I enter a new listing into the MLS, I or my broker may select to have that listing distributed to third party Internet…

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Weekly Real Estate Market Report

When You Buy a Home You Buy a Neighborhood

Tips on how to make sure you not only buy the right house but the right neighborhood as well.

When you are looking for a place to call home you will most likely start with the criteria that would make that home perfect for you. That is where most people start and it makes sense. However misery will be your friend if you have a home that you love in the middle of a neighborhood you hate. Where your home is located is just as important as how many bedrooms it has. If you do your homework, and hire an agent who knows the neighborhood or is willing to find out about the neighborhood, then you can prevent future heartache. Explore the neighborhood! Are you looking for a community with children the same age as your children? Drive through the neighborhood on days the school bus picks up and drops children off. Are you hoping to meet …

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Weekly Real Estate Market Report

Peachtree Corners Home Real Estate Market on the Upswing

Comparing sales from a year ago, the housing market continues to show positive signs of improvement.

The housing market continues to improve. Buyer and seller optimism is paying off, and we are seeing a spring market with many opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Realtors are excited about all the changes we are seeing in the housing industry. It is time for buyers to react and they have not disappointed us. We are seeing multiple offers on many properties. It seems that buyers realize that these interest rates are as good as it gets. Buying power changes greatly with each small change in interest rates. If in the position to buy, you need to act on it before the interest rates go up. Sellers are at this time realistic in their pricing and a well priced home will sell quickly. These are two reasons that the market conditions make if…

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Weekly Real Estate Market Report

Watch The 2014 Super Bowl In Your New Home

Tips on buying that first or next home.

Buying a new home can be exciting, stressful, scary and wonderful. It can create a Super Bowl of emotions. Below are some guidelines for beginning your search and a few tips to help you begin the process. 1. Know your areas. Explore neighborhoods. Make notes of what is most important to you. Schools should always play a role in your thinking. Children or no children, consider the school district. Good schools help protect home value. Location and lifestyle should also factor into your decision.  Once you narrow your search down to an area you like, ask your Realtor to put you on automated searches for homes that are in the area you prefer. 2. Know your price point. Meet with a lender and get prequalified. Explore your options among the …

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Weekly Real Estate Market Report

Selling Your Home? Top 10 Things to Do Now

Pllanning on putting your home on the market this spring? It's time to start planning today.

If you know you are going to be selling your home this spring then now is the time to plan that move. Here are 10 tips to help you organize your move and to help you sell faster and for more money. 1. Call a Realtor and let him or her know that you plan to move this spring. Find out when he or she recommends you put the sign in your front yard. Make that your target date. The Realtor know the community history and knows when you will have the best chance for success. Ask your Realtor to tell you what to do to get your home ready for the market. If they cannot be specific, then call another agent. This is critical and helps you make the right choices. 2. Declutter! I know you hear that all the time but if you did nothing else but declutter…

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Weekly Real Estate Market Report

Buying A Home? Find Out How A Buyer's Agent Can Help

Hiring a buyer's agent may not cost you money but it could save you thousands.

An agent who is engaged by you to help you search for and purchase the perfect home is considered a buyer’s agent. You may at first wonder what this buyer’s agent is going to cost you? NOTHING! In most cases, the buyer’s agent is paid from the sellers proceeds at closing. Great news for you. All you owe is loyalty to the agent who is representing you. You will sign an agreement that states that you will work with that agent and that you will contact them to purchase any home for an agreed upon time. The agent in turn promises to work for your best interest. Did you know buyer’s agents can show you any home? They may show you unlisted homes, for sale by owners, new construction and, of course, resales. It is important that you call your …

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Weekly Real Estate Market Report

Real Estate Market Ends 2012 On A Positive Note

Signs of residential housing recovery in Peachtree Corners.

In Peachtree Corners the word to describe real estate 2012 is "optimistic." As mentioned in previous market updates the inventory is down and multiple offers are in many cases being presented. Prices are still low and buyers are still demanding the latest features but homes are selling and the market price will reflect the lower inventory in the future. In this report we will look at the City of Peachtree Corners market and see what we might expect in 2013. Using the city boundaries of the City of Peachtree Corners , there are 79 active listings. This represent a 25 percent drop in inventory since September, 2012. This is a three-month supply of homes. This means Peachtree Corners is in a sellers market. The rule of thumb in the real …

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Real Estate is a Sink or Swim Business

The trials and tribulations of being a Realtor revisited.

There is nothing better than ending the year with laughter. As we say good bye to 2012 and welcome 2013, I will continue my tradition of laughing at myself and maybe in doing so bring a smile to your face. This year, was a better year for most, and there seems to be new wave of optimism in the air. At the same time, we remain sensitive to the hardships so many have endured during this challenging time. It is our wish that 2013 brings you renewed hope and joy. For those who have read this story before I hope you do not mind another round of laughter. As Realtors we have many funny stories to share. This is one that seems to cause a great deal of laughter. If you have had a funny work related story, please share it here on The Patch. Several…

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