Atlanta Real Estate Blog - Hirsh Real Estate Specialists 
Atlanta Real Estate News - 2012 Mid Year Report
Friday, July 13th, 2012 at 2:39pm. 861 Views, 0 Comments.
We are half way through 2012 and there is already great news for Atlanta and Hirsh Real Estate Specialists. Inventory is dropping, mortgage rates remain at all time lows and Hirsh is receiving both local and national recognition for achievements in real estate.
Dropping Inventory
According to a recent USA Today article, of 18 major markets in the United States, 10 had less than a 3 month supply of homes which is incredibly low. While Atlanta's supply is closer to a 6 month supply, the same article noted that the North Atlanta market has seen a 36% drop in inventory since this time last year.
This is actually causing bidding wars among multiple buyers in some areas and as a result prices are starting to rise in those same markets. I wrote a blog in…
Atlanta Business Chronicle Recognizes Ben Hirsh
Tuesday, July 10th, 2012 at 12:38pm. 632 Views, 0 Comments.
Yes, I did title this post in the third person. Last week the Atlanta Business Chronicle wrote a glowing half-page article about my work in Atlanta real estate over the past 8+ years. It certainly is a positive piece, highlighting the importance of trust between a Realtor and their clients.
Thanks to ABC for the great coverage and to my clients who were interviewed for the story! See the full article below:
Historic Charm in Heart of Buckhead's Most Popular Sidewalk Community! (Expired)
Friday, May 25th, 2012 at 11:09am. 700 Views, 0 Comments.
Built in the 1920s, Peachtree Commons in Peachtree Hills is
noted on the National Register of Historic Places. Although Atlanta is
inundated with them, a contemporary hi-rise is not a lifestyle that appeals to
all buyers seeking convenient, low maintenance condominium living.
A 3-story building with units boasting architecturally desirable accents reminiscent of the past like arched doorways, glass door knobs, an original tin ceiling, crown moulding and real hardwood floors, combined with recent modern renovations like stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and tile backsplash, this first floor 2 bedroom condo offers a perfect combination of character and convenience!
This is a real gem for downsizers and city dwellers…
Highest and Best...Good News for the Market?
Wednesday, May 9th, 2012 at 4:42pm. 656 Views, 0 Comments.
A phrase becoming more common in real estate these days is "Please submit your highest and best offer." Believe it or not, this isn't just because sellers want more money for their homes. Buyers are actually competing to buy certain homes and properties are often selling for higher than list price.
Just in the past few weeks I have had this happen at least six times and it's included condos, town homes and single family homes from Buckhead to Vinings to Marietta. We have won a few bidding wars and lost a few as well. Surprisingly, we have even lost when offering all CASH and more than list price.
These bidding wars aren't just isolated to foreclosures. Some traditional sellers are encountering this as well and even selling for tens of thousands more…
What Does Buffet Say About The Buckhead Real Estate Market?
Tuesday, April 24th, 2012 at 2:47pm. 555 Views, 0 Comments.
Warren Buffet recently told a CNBC reporter that he would buy "a couple hundred thousand" single family homes if it were practical to do so.
"If held for a long period of time and purchased at low rates, Buffett says houses are even better than stocks. He advises buyers to take out a 30-year mortgage and refinance if rates go down."
Buffet was obviously not talking directly about the real estate market in Buckhead, but it appears that the lower prices and ultra-low interest rates thats he mentioned have invigorated Buckhead Home buyers as they purchased homes in 2012 at a faster rate than they did last year.
As the chart below shows, more homes sold in Buckhead during the first quarter of this year, despite inventory levels dropping…
Buckhead Short Sale Now $750,000 (Under Contract)
Tuesday, April 17th, 2012 at 10:21am. 532 Views, 0 Comments.
I just listed a short sale in the heart of Buckhead on Northside drive (across from N. Atlanta High School). This large home was custom built in 2000 and has space for the whole family. There is a master on the main, three more bedroom upstairs, and 2000 square feet ready to finish in the daylight basement (think media room/inlaw suite/etc).
While this home appraised for over $1 million a few years ago, it can be had today as a relative bargain. While this home will be a great deal, the sale must be approved by the bank, so we need a patient short-sale buyer.
Click the image below for more information. If this home is not quite right for you, take a look at our other homes for sale in Buckhead.
HARP 2.0 - Refinance with NO APPRAISAL
Tuesday, March 27th, 2012 at 12:45pm. 1081 Views, 3 Comments.
Finally, a mortgage refinance program is available for home owners who are current on their mortgage but owe more than their house is worth. And the best part is NO APPRAISAL IS REQUIRED!!!
HARP 2.0 (Home Affordable Refinance Program) allows home owners with a mortgage owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac to refinance underwater mortgages. Here are a few of the highlights:
- No LTV (Loan to Value) cap on fixed rate mortgages
- No appraisal required if an automated value can be determined
- Payback time period has been reduced
- The program is available now
Even if you pay your mortgage to a bank or specific lender, it is likely still owned by Fannie or Freddie. Here are a few links to determine who owns your mortgage and also answers…
Buy a House and Save Money on Taxes
Tuesday, March 6th, 2012 at 4:35pm. 529 Views, 0 Comments.
I probably don't need to remind most of you that it's tax time again, but what you might not know is that there are some serious money saving advantages to owning a home, purchasing a new home or refinancing your mortgage.
You will need to consult your CPA or other tax professional for the specifics of your situation but here are a few of the items you can commonly deduct on your tax filing:
- Real Estate Taxes
- Mortgage Interest - including a vacation home or second residence
- PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance Premiums) - some income limits apply
- Points Paid at Purchase or Refinance - always save your HUD (closing statement) for correct documentation
Here is a helpful link from the IRS about Real Estate FAQ's. Also be sure to file…
1.3 Acre Buckhead Lot For Sale (Sold)
Thursday, February 23rd, 2012 at 8:41pm. 1528 Views, 0 Comments.
This Lot Is Sold!
Buckhead has beautiful homes, but it can be hard to find a newly built home on a substantial lot. If you want to have your own custom home built in Buckhead's best school district then now may be your opportunity.
I have just reduced the price of this 1.3 acre wooded lot, that I own, by $100,000 to $200,000. This lot is at 3717 Cloudland Drive, just off of Paces Ferry and Mt Paran roads, and perhaps Buckhead's most convenient location. It is located in the Jackson Elementary School district (Buckhead's highest test scores)! The lot is 100% buildable and an access driveway has already been installed.
The lot is 100 yards from I-75 so there is some road noise, but the dense tree cover is a good buffer and the price is the best…
Valentines Day Deals in Vinings
Tuesday, February 14th, 2012 at 1:52pm. 617 Views, 0 Comments.
It's Valentines Day once again and so we want to share the love in Vinings. Whether you're looking for a dozen roses, you need last minute reservations for a romantic dinner or you just want to support a local business, I have some great suggestions for you.
Flowers - Village Green Flowers and Gifts as well as Floral Creations Florist both have roses, tulips and countless other floral arrangements to choose from.
Romantic Dinner - Soho in Vinings Jubilee, South City Kitchen and Canoe are all local favorites, offering romantic dining for two.
Local Business - With the economy in the news these days we all know how important it is to support local businesses. Vinings Bank first opened their doors in 2007 and has a desire to build relationships…