October 2010 
There are 10 blog entries for October 2010.
What do I do now?
Sunday, October 31st, 2010 at 11:10pm. 446 Views, 0 Comments.
Do you have friends that just got an amazing deal on a house? The same house that only three years ago cost twice as much? It always gets the wheels turning but there is one problem. You can't take advantage of this great buyer's situation while your stuck in your current home. The other problem is that value of your home may have shrunk. There are so many in the same situation you are in.
You may have more options than you think home sales and values are considerably higher than this time last year. Interest rates have spurred the market and now is a great time to jump in. Talking with a Realtor and putting together a game plan is and good start and it doesn't cost you a dime to list your home. Who knows between the great buyer deals and the amazing…
Tips for Selling your Home in this Market
Thursday, October 28th, 2010 at 11:32am. 485 Views, 0 Comments.
Whether you are planning to list your home for sale next week or just beginning to prepare for the busy Spring season to come, here are a few tips for selling your home in this market. You can start today.
1. First things first, make a great first impression outside. This means keep your yard mowed, put some flowers or potted plants by the steps and make sure the outside of your home looks fresh and clean. At a minimum, have the exterior pressure washed and you might even consider repainting those faded shutters and doors.
2. The most important thing you can do inside is clean, clean, clean. Your home should be spotless, especially kitchens and bathrooms should look and smell fresh. Also, remove any clutter and personal items like old family…
Two Great Golf Communities
Tuesday, October 26th, 2010 at 7:10pm. 694 Views, 0 Comments.
Two of my favorite golf communities are Hawk's Ridge Golf Club and Governors Towne Club. Both are on the Hirsh Real Estate website and are spectacular communities with amazing deals. Both of these clubs have waived there initiation fees and are just allowing monthly golf dues. A couple of great features that I liked are the nice spacious lots, great common areas, and privacy. You might even pass the who's who of Atlanta in the club house. These clubs are some of Atlanta's exclusive.
Hawk's Ridge is a little piece of heaven. Its hard to force yourself to take a divot on the bent grass tee boxes. Lots are very spacious and there are several right on the course. The homes are diverse and don't over take the property. Home prices have a pretty wide…
Deficit Commission Considers Removing Tax Deductions for Home Owners
Tuesday, October 26th, 2010 at 3:38pm. 547 Views, 0 Comments.
According to an article in the Wall Street Journal yesterday, President Obama's Deficit Commission is considering removing long standing tax deductions for home owners. Currently, married home owners can deduct all of the interest payments on their mortgage up to $1million. The mortgage amount is reduced to $500,000 for single home owners.
This means that for those who are currently using the maximum deduction, their taxable income could potentially increase by as much as $60,000 or more per year! The Deficit Commission has been tasked with balancing the national budget by 2015 and while this is a noble cause, as your real estate specialists, we want you to be aware of the potential cost the government is considering imposing on you, the nation's…
North Atlanta Golf Communities
Monday, October 25th, 2010 at 9:19pm. 478 Views, 0 Comments.
Over the last few months I've had the opportunity to play several of North Atlanta's premiere golf courses. Most of which originated in the last 10 years. In the planning stages there was no expense spared. The best designers working on the courses, the club houses, and the communities. I guess they thought if you build it they would come; regardless of the location. Some of these communities made it through the real estate recession others are still trying to stay alive. Homes that were once millions are now on the market for a fraction of their initial value. I was playing the Manor Golf and Country Club the other day and we noticed several homes empty. Homes that used to be valued at twice their current listing price. What an opportunity! If you have…
The Only Realtor in The U.S. Senate
Thursday, October 21st, 2010 at 5:44pm. 501 Views, 0 Comments.
I am personally a member of the Atlanta Board of Realtors and I like to be as involved as possible in furthering and improving the real estate industry, goodness knows we need to improve the average real estate agent! I was pretty excited last week when a colleague of mine invited me over to his home in Buckhead to meet with U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson and chat about the state of our nation and the business climate here in Georgia.
Senator Isakson is the only Realtor in the Senate and he was president of the now-closed Northside Realty here in Atlanta for 22 years. We did not solve the problems of the world, but it was certainly a treat to enjoy an hour with a man who has such great influence on the real estate industry around the country and here in…
Buckhead Homes Sold in October (so far)
Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 at 7:10am. 540 Views, 0 Comments.
There have been 28 homes sold in Buckhead so far this month. The most expensive sale happened just a few days ago at 3100 N. Wesley Court, a quiet culdesac in the Paces neighborhood of West Buckhead where I live.
The home has been on the market for an incredible 350 days and was originally priced at $4.3 Million by the builder.
The attention to detail by the designer, Yong Pak, definitely set this home apart. The excellent location in a private neighborhood and proximity to some of Buckhead's best private schools also helped make this home attractive to the new owners.
If you are looking for a home in Buckhead, and you do not have $3 Million to spend, don't worry! The average sale price for the…
Sherwood Forest Homes Offer Beautiful Renovation Opportunities Near Ansley Golf Club
Tuesday, October 19th, 2010 at 11:31am. 833 Views, 0 Comments.
Sherwood Forest is often overlooked when searching for homes in Ansley Park or near Ansley Golf Club. Homes in this eclectic golf community currently range from the mid 400's for a 1950's ranch style foreclosure to several million dollars for newly constructed estates.
As original home owners begin to sell their properties, the way has been paved for new home buyers to purchase at bargain prices and renovate. Some of these homes even overlook Ansley Golf Course.
The best value right now is 160 Little John Trail, which is a partially renovated brick home with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, full basement and in-law suite. It also includes a wrap around deck overlooking the wooded lot, shining hardwood floors and 3 fireplaces throughout the…
Atlanta Foreclosures Unaffected by Delays in 23 States...But there are Lessons for Local Home Buyers
Friday, October 8th, 2010 at 11:32am. 505 Views, 0 Comments.
Georgia is known as one of the fastest foreclosing states in the nation, with an average timeline of only 90 days from mortgage default to foreclosure. And despite recent news about foreclosure delays in 23 other states, local foreclosures remain unaffected. However, there are still 2 very important lessons for local buyers when purchasing a home of any kind, foreclosure or otherwise.
Here is what you need to know.
1. Always use a skillful agent, a real estate specialist who knows your local market and state laws well.
2. Always purchase title insurance at closing. A few hundred dollars of insurance can protect you from potentially losing hundreds of thousands of dollars later on.
Foreclosure delays in 23 states this week are due to…
Buckhead's Business/Shopping District To Become More Walkable
Thursday, October 7th, 2010 at 9:37am. 542 Views, 0 Comments.
A move is underway to adjust the zoning rules for "Downtown" Buckhead. The new zoning would help guide new development away from the suburban style shopping centers and towards a more connected and walkable district.
This has been reported on in detail by the Atlanta Business Chronicle and is happening in concert with the Streets of Buckhead retail development, the potential International District in Buckhead as well as the recent streetscape improvements already underway in Buckhead.
I think this is a great move by the zoning board and I think it will make life more pleasant in Buckhead and more attractive to potential residents and businesses.