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        <title>Atlanta Real Estate Blog - Hirsh Real Estate Specialists</title>
        <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/author/brian-sims/</link>
        <description>Atlanta Real Estate Blog, Atlanta homes for sale, Atlanta Realtors, Hirsh Real Estate Specialists, Atlanta Real Estate News, Reports, and Valuable information!</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/highest-and-bestgood-news-for-the-market.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/highest-and-bestgood-news-for-the-market.html</link>
            <author>Brian@HirshRealEstate.com (Brian Sims)</author>
            <title>Highest and Best...Good News for the Market?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
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 than recent bank owned sales.


So is this good news for the market? I think it is!


While low prices and mortgage rates still favor buyers, low inventory is starting to favor sellers. If a home is priced right, staged right and located in the right area or school district, it just might attract multiple offers from buyers.


Use our Advanced Search to see all the latest MLS listings in your area of town.


So whether you're a buyer who needs a skilled negotiator or a seller hoping to fetch top dollar for your home, I'd love to earn your business. There is plenty of strategy and experience required to successfully navigate today's real estate market. So please give me a call at 678.739.8686 or send me an email at Brian@HirshRealEstate.com to discuss your personal situation and see how we can help you benefit most from the current trends.
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            <pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 15:42:45 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/historic-vinings-acreage-for-sale.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/historic-vinings-acreage-for-sale.html</link>
            <author>Brian@HirshRealEstate.com (Brian Sims)</author>
            <title>Historic Vinings Acreage For Sale</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Historic Vinings acreage is hard to come by these days and so this recent estate sale listing on Stillhouse Road is truly a special opportunity. With a rustic cottage, rippling creek and nearly 3 acres of wooded privacy on all sides, it's hard to believe you're within walking distance of Vinings Jubilee.





Whether you are a buyer seeking some of Vinings most secluded property for your dream home, or an investor interested in subdividing the land for new construction, this is prime real estate.


&nbsp;


I specialize in representing Vinings buyers for our brokerage and know this market well.


If you are interested in purchasing this property or have questions about other Vinings homes for sale please contact me at 678.739.8686 or Brian@HirshRealEstate.com. I would love to earn your business and negotiate a fantastic deal for you.


Properties like this are few and far between, so you want an experienced agent who knows the Vinings market representing you.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:54:56 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/harp-20-refinance-with-no-appraisal.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/harp-20-refinance-with-no-appraisal.html</link>
            <author>Brian@HirshRealEstate.com (Brian Sims)</author>
            <title>HARP 2.0 - Refinance with NO APPRAISAL</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
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&nbsp;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 to&nbsp;some frequently asked questions about HARP 2.0.


Is my mortgage owned by Fannie Mae?


Is my mortgage owned by Freddie Mac?


HARP Program FAQ


We work with some great lenders who can walk you through the refinance process so please give me a call at 678.739.8686 or send an email to Brian@HirshRealEstate.com and let me know how I can help.


This is an unprecedented opportunity to save a lot of money on your mortgage.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:45:40 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/buy-a-house-and-save-money-on-taxes.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/buy-a-house-and-save-money-on-taxes.html</link>
            <author>Brian@HirshRealEstate.com (Brian Sims)</author>
            <title>Buy a House and Save Money on Taxes</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
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 your homestead exemption to get a discount on your property taxes. If you are 62 or older you can also save up to 80% with the school tax exemption.


For those of you in Smyrna and Vinings, you can visit the Cobb County Tax Commissioner's site&nbsp;for more details.


OK, enough about taxes. Here's an incredible deal on a home for sale in Forest Hills in Smyrna. The contractor who did the renovation has been featured on Oprah and HGTV, so you can imagine the quality.


&nbsp;


Did I mention he just reduced the price by $65,000? Give me a call at 678-739-8686 and I'll help you negotiate a great deal!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:35:30 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/valentines-day-deals-in-vinings.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/valentines-day-deals-in-vinings.html</link>
            <author>Brian@HirshRealEstate.com (Brian Sims)</author>
            <title>Valentines Day Deals in Vinings</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
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 with local businesses and home buyers. Let me know if you need a pre-approval letter for a home loan and I will make sure you receive excellent service.








Favorite Home - I have a new favorite home for sale in Vinings at 4421 Paradise Circle. This property is really something special so I'll let you click the link and check it out for yourself. Just let me know if you want to buy it for that "someone special" and I will be glad to negotiate a great deal for you!


So Happy Valentines Day from your Smyrna/Vinings Real Estate Specialist and please let me know if you need any assistance with your real estate needs. It would be a privilege to earn your business.
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            <pubDate>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:52:30 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/cochise-home-for-sale-has-great-potential-in-vinings.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/cochise-home-for-sale-has-great-potential-in-vinings.html</link>
            <author>Brian@HirshRealEstate.com (Brian Sims)</author>
            <title>Cochise Home for Sale has Great Potential in Vinings</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
A terrific Vinings property has recently come on the market and has excellent potential for renovation. This tudor style home sits high on a hill in Cochise with a long private drive, nearly an acre of land, hardwood floors, masonry fireplaces and a daylight basement. Below is a link to the home.


3488 Cochise Drive








Please let me know if you or anyone you know might be interested in this property. It's an&nbsp;excellent opportunity&nbsp;and I expect it to sell quickly! I would love to help you negotiate a great deal on it. You can reach me any time at 678.739.8686 or Brian@HirshRealEstate.com.
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            <pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:40:42 -0600</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/only-2-homes-left-in-grady-manor.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/only-2-homes-left-in-grady-manor.html</link>
            <author>Brian@HirshRealEstate.com (Brian Sims)</author>
            <title>Only 2 Homes Left in Grady Manor</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Within walking distance to Smyrna Market Village, Grady Manor is one of Smyrna's most popular new construction neighborhoods.


One of the last new construction homes just went under contract last week, which leaves only two for sale in this great little community.


The first is a corner lot home at 2703 Grady Street and is the last of the brand new homes. It has a beautiful brick exterior with high end upgrades throughout the interior.





The second home is a foreclosure&nbsp;at 2691 Grady Street and larger than most of the others in this neighborhood. It needs some cleaning and new paint interior but is otherwise a great deal for this location and quality of construction.





If you're looking for new construction homes in Smyrna or are just looking to talk with the Smyrna Real Estate Specialist for buyers, then please give me a call at 678-739-8686. I would love to talk with you about your plans and help you find a great deal!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:20:02 -0600</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/47-new-homes-for-sale-in-smyrnavinings.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/47-new-homes-for-sale-in-smyrnavinings.html</link>
            <author>Brian@HirshRealEstate.com (Brian Sims)</author>
            <title>47 New Homes for Sale in Smyrna/Vinings</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
There&nbsp;are already&nbsp;47 new single family homes listed for sale&nbsp;in Smyrna and Vinings since the start of 2012 and some are selling very quickly.


Twice within the past week I have talked with buyers about homes that already have multiple offers,&nbsp;which means the seller has the luxury of requesting "highest and best" offers from prospective buyers. In most cases this means the seller will get at least their asking price, if not higher. This also means you want a skilled buyer's agent working on your behalf to negotiate the deal and make sure you still get a great value.








By far my favorite home for sale is located in the highly sought after neighborhood of Paces Lake in Vinings. This French inspired masterpiece at 2934 Paces Lake Drive&nbsp;just hit the market yesterday and&nbsp;is sure to impress even the most discerning buyer.


Here is a full list of homes for sale in Smyrna and homes for sale in Vinings.


Whether you are looking to buy or sell, Smyrna/Vinings real estate is my specialty and I would love to earn your business. Please give me a call at 678-739-8686 and let's keep the momentum going to turn this economy around one house at a time.
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            <pubDate>Tue, 17 Jan 2012 06:50:28 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/vinings-main-is-65-sold-and-offering-buyer-incentives-in-the-new-year.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/vinings-main-is-65-sold-and-offering-buyer-incentives-in-the-new-year.html</link>
            <author>Brian@HirshRealEstate.com (Brian Sims)</author>
            <title>Vinings Main is 65% Sold and Offering Buyer Incentives in the New Year</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you're looking for the best deal on a condo in Vinings, then look no further than Vinings Main. I am the Vinings Specialist for Hirsh Real Estate Specialists and know this market very well. Vinings Main remains at the top of my list for condos in the area.








Why? You might ask. Here are a few reasons.


1. They are one of the newest condo buildings in the 30339 zip code (true Vinings).


2. They have some of the nicest amenities around.


3. They are within walking distance to everything Vinings.


4. They are offering great incentives...call me for details.


5. Finally, they have the best price per square foot for new construction in Vinings.


Only Greystone at Vinings beats them on price per square foot, but Vinings Main allows FHA financing with only 3.5% down payment and at the moment only cash buyers can purchase at Greystone.


So, if you are in the market to buy a home or condo in Vinings, then you definitely need a local real estate specialist who knows the market. Please give me a call at 678-739-8686 and I would love to talk with you about your plans, what's on the market and how we can negotiate the best deal that fits your personal needs.


I specialize in representing buyers and in the state of Georgia, using a buyer's agent is FREE! I look forward to hearing from you.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:52:26 -0600</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/30-million-in-home-sales-for-hirsh.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/30-million-in-home-sales-for-hirsh.html</link>
            <author>Brian@HirshRealEstate.com (Brian Sims)</author>
            <title>$30 Million in Home Sales for Hirsh</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Ben and I were discussing our 2011 numbers this morning and were quite encouraged at Hirsh Real Estate Specialists' performance this year!


Over $30 Million in Sales


It has been another banner year for Hirsh Real Estate Specialists! Our agents have worked tirelessly throughout 2011 to sell more than $30 million in real estate and our clients have reaped the benefits. The road has certainly had its share of hurdles, but one step at a time we are emerging as one of Atlanta's most successful real estate brokerages. If you or those you know are in need of professional real estate services, we would love to talk with you about your needs.


Mortgage Rate Lows


A high point for home owners, mortgage rates have remained unexpectedly low throughout 2011 and are forecast to stay this way well into 2012. As I highlighted in a recent blog post, a lower rate can be more beneficial than a larger down payment. So if you are considering a refinance or purchase, this is an excellent time to take advantage of rates!30 Year Fixed - 3.99%15 Year Fixed - 3.27%


Growing into 2012


As we look toward 2012, we have a number of plans in place to expand our brokerage. This will include adding team members (jobs), increasing services to our clients and improving technology. Some of you have already experienced our transition toward a "paperless office" this year as the vast majority of our home sales have been negotiated and closed using electronic contracts. In other words, you can basically buy a home from your smart phone.Thank you for your friendship, your loyalty and your business. I look forward to staying in touch.Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:44:31 -0600</pubDate>
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