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        <title>Atlanta Real Estate Blog - Hirsh Real Estate Specialists</title>
        <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/buckhead-real-estate/</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>
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            <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!
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            <pubDate>Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:44:31 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/atlanta-real-estate-news.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/atlanta-real-estate-news.html</link>
            <author>Brian@HirshRealEstate.com (Brian Sims)</author>
            <title>Atlanta Real Estate News</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
As we approach the end of 2011, it is still a strong buyers market across Atlanta. Mortgage rates have dropped again since the summer and while prices are struggling to recover, certain properties seem to attract all the attention. We are always looking to grow our business, so if you or those you know are in need of professional real estate advice please feel free to give me a call.&nbsp;


So whats the latest with home prices?


Home prices are actually up nearly 7% in the North Atlanta area around Buckhead and the number of homes sold is up more than 10%, which is good news. Smyrna and Vinings prices are still down more than 10% for the year, but there are a number of great homes pending sale right now, so I do expect the average price and volume to tick up slightly before December 31st.


By the way, home prices in December are statistically the lowest of the year, so if youre considering an end of year purchase, there is no time like the present!


How do you stand out from the crowd?


Today there are more than 3,400 homes actively for sale across Atlanta and less than 500 will actually close this month, so how do you make your home stand out from the crowd? Price it competitively and make it shine.


&ldquo;I recently listed a property on a Tuesday and by Friday we had multiple parties interested in making an offer. Over the weekend, I had another 3 agents call to ask if it was still available. On a side note, there were 10 other properties for sale in this neighborhood, so something made this one stand out and it wasnt just the price.&rdquo;


Give us a call. We would love to help you price your home right, make it shine and then market it to as many buyers as possible.


Hirsh Real Estate Reaches 100,000 Visitors!


We are excited to announce that we have received over 100,000 visitors to our website www.HirshRealEstate.com this year. Many of you have bought homes with us in the past and we hope many of you will become future clients. So please give us a call and let us know how we can earn your business. If youre on the fence, feel free to read our testimonials to see what past clients have to say about us.


Todays Mortgage Rates


I always like to end on a positive note and mortgage rates are certainly in the positive news category lately.


30 Year Fixed  4.25%


30 Year FHA  4.00%


15 Year Fixed  3.37%


Have a Happy Thanksgiving and please feel free to contact me any time. It would be a privilege to earn your business.
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            <pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:29:56 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/buckheads-most-interesting-homes-under-500000.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/buckheads-most-interesting-homes-under-500000.html</link>
            <author>ben@hirshrealestate.com (Ben Hirsh)</author>
            <title>Buckhead's Most Interesting Homes Under $500,000</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Today in Buckhead there are more homes than ever before available under $500,000. This pricing combined with interest rates around 4% has helped many of my clients buy homes in Atlanta's best area and still get a phenomenal value. Below are a few of my favorites.


&nbsp;


Foreclosure Near Chastain Park


This renovated brick ranch is located less than 1 mile from Chastain Park (Buckhead's Largest Park). It is bank-owned and the previous owner invested in quite a lot of renovations. This homes is also walking distance to Sarah Smith Elementary and last sold in 2006 for $690,000! Contact me today to see this home or discuss others great values.





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The Perfect Family Home on 2.3 Acres


This rambling home on prestigious West Wesley has plenty of space inside and well over two acres of yard on the outside! It is also in one of the best school districts in Atlanta. The inside of this home been brought up to date in recent years and expanded to make it a perfect family home. Not exactly right? Complete this form to tell me what you are looking for.





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Click Here to see all homes for sale in Buckhead.
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            <pubDate>Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:07:02 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/buckhead-home-of-the-day-11-million-foreclosure.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/buckhead-home-of-the-day-11-million-foreclosure.html</link>
            <author>ben@hirshrealestate.com (Ben Hirsh)</author>
            <title>Buckhead Home Of The Day - $1.1 Million Foreclosure</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
This bank foreclosure in Buckhead has recently hit the market for a fantastic price. Click on the photo below for all of the details and a virtual tour.




5118 Square Feet


Recently built at a cost approaching $2 Million


Top-rated Morris Brandon school district




Give me a call to discuss this home or to setup a viewing. If this is not exactly what you are looking for, browse through the other Buckhead Foreclosures.



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            <pubDate>Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:06:27 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/27th-floor-condo-at-buckhead-grand.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/27th-floor-condo-at-buckhead-grand.html</link>
            <author>ben@hirshrealestate.com (Ben Hirsh)</author>
            <title>27th Floor Condo At Buckhead Grand</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Finding a 2 bedroom condo in a modern Buckhead highrise for $200,000 is a rare event, but add panoramic views from the 27th floor, corner floorplan, and a popular building in the heart of the shopping district...that is what we have in this upcoming listing!


My clients have the exclusive opportunity to view and purchase this 1272 Square foot condo before it is placed on the open market at $200,000. If you are interested in the property and would like to see it, simply give our office a call or email me. This property is a short sale, but the approval process on this one will only be a few days due to our existing relationship with the bank. This condo last sold in 2005 for $334,900.


The floorplan and photos are below. If this is not exactly what you are looking for , then the following links might help:


Buckhead Condos For Sale | Buckhead Townhomes For Sale | Buckhead Homes For Sale








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            <pubDate>Tue, 06 Sep 2011 13:42:00 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/buckhead-real-estate-market-update.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/buckhead-real-estate-market-update.html</link>
            <author>ben@hirshrealestate.com (Ben Hirsh)</author>
            <title>Buckhead Real Estate Market Update</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
In the first six months of this year, the Buckhead real estate market showed significant strength. Average sale prices on homes in Buckhead were up 8.9% over 2010 to $853,000.


Inventory has been lower this year than in recent years and 381 homes sold in Buckhead during the first half, half a dozen fewer homes during the same period in 2010. Fantastic deals are still available, but my buyers have had to be faster to react and more aggressive in order to stay ahead of the market.


Over the last few months, interest rates have hit all-time lows (again) and I expect this to be a boost to home sales through the end of this year. Give me a call to discuss your particular needs and take advantage of this market while it lasts!
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            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:00:29 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/mortgage-rates-and-interest-payments-are-falling.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/mortgage-rates-and-interest-payments-are-falling.html</link>
            <author>Brian@HirshRealEstate.com (Brian Sims)</author>
            <title>Mortgage Rates and Interest Payments are Falling</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Amid the volatile stock market, economic&nbsp;gridlock in Washington&nbsp;and stagnant home sales, mortgage rates have continued to fall and save buyers thousands of dollars in interest.


Below is a chart showing how mortgage rates in&nbsp;2011&nbsp;have continued to drop for 30-year and 15-year fixed mortgages. Data is courtesy of www.FreddieMac.com





So, how does this translate into real numbers for your budget? Consider this, an average&nbsp;home buyer who purchases a $250,000&nbsp;home today will save nearly $50,000 in interest payments on a 30 year mortgage&nbsp;versus a buyer who bought the same house in February for the same price.


Mortgage rates in February were about 5.05% and mortgage rates today are about 4.15%.&nbsp;A buyer&nbsp;who makes&nbsp;a 3.5% down payment will save about $130 per month on their mortgage today. That translates into $46,000 in savings over the course of a 30 year mortgage!


The saying in real estate "you make your money when you buy" is more true today than ever. If you or someone you know is looking for a great deal on a home, then please give me a call at 678-739-8686 or drop me an email at Brian@HirshRealEstate.com.


I would love to earn your business and help you take advantage of this market!
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            <pubDate>Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:17:04 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/does-your-realtor-secretly-want-you-to-pay-more.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/does-your-realtor-secretly-want-you-to-pay-more.html</link>
            <author>ben@hirshrealestate.com (Ben Hirsh)</author>
            <title>Does Your Realtor Secretly Want You To Pay More?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
A few years ago the book "Freakonomics" was published. The book takes a provocative approach to analysing how economics&nbsp;impacts our every-day lives in unseen ways and has sold over 4 million copies to date. One section of the book specifically singles out real estate agents and states that a real estate agent simply cannot properly represent their buyers well since their compensation is a percentage of the sale price. The authors theorizes that the economic incentive for a Realtor is in direct opposition to the clients interest and therefore a real estate agent cannot fairly represent a buyer (who wants the lowest possible price).


Ever since the book was published I regularly have people ask me whether Freakonomics is correct. My answer is that "No" the author is incorrect because he took a narrow view of a broad issue.




First of all, the author has assumed that money is the only driver of motivations, but a great real estate agent has a legal and moral duty to look out for the best interests of their client. A great Realtor takes these duties seriously and truly cares about their clients lives during this major purchase. Money is not my driving focus, caring for my clients is. The rest just falls into place.


Secondly, a Realtor who is truly dedicated to their client will reap many financial rewards. Happy clients refer many friends and family. A happy client is profitable, an unhappy client almost never is. So even if economics was the driving force behind my representation of my clients (which it isn't) then I would still be better off to squeeze every possible penny out of every deal for my clients




A prime example of duty trumping economics was recently told by one of my clients in an article published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper. He explains that I lowered his bid on a competitive property, without even telling him, based on some very important information that I received at the last minute. My action resulted in him saving $20,000 on his purchase.


I did this because it was in his best financial interest. The end result was that he saved a lot of money, my commission was slightly less, but the article published below generated phone calls all last week and has resulted in several new clients! Are you ready to buy or sell your home? Give me a call and let's get started.


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            <pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 05:28:46 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/buckhead-foreclosures-2-featured-homes.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/buckhead-foreclosures-2-featured-homes.html</link>
            <author>ben@hirshrealestate.com (Ben Hirsh)</author>
            <title>Buckhead Foreclosures - 2 Featured Homes</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Of the 836 homes for sale in Buckhead, we currently have 26 bank-owned properties listed on our Buckhead foreclosures page. Today I wanted to highlight two deals at opposite ends of the spectrum.


The first is a quaint cottage in Peachtree Park, a secluded historic Buckhead neighborhood in the middle of the bustling city. That sounds like a contradiction because it is, and that is what makes Peachtree Park so attractive...the best of both worlds. This cottage would be perfect for the buyer willing to manage a renovation/addition of a master suite that would bring this home into the 21st century, and bring a substantial ROI for the owner willing to invest their time and money.





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Next up on our list of foreclosures is a home on West Wesley Road&nbsp;that is ten times the price of the first. This home was designed by a friend of mine, William T. Baker and has some unusual touches that truly make it unique. The over-the-top Baroque greenhouse reminds me of the Biltmore Estate gardens and is one of my favorite features. Located on a very large lot in the Paces Neighborhood, this home is very private but features skyline views at night!





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Whether you are looking for a Buckhead bingalow or one of the amazing estates here, I want to be your broker and find you the perfect place for your needs. Contact me today, and let's get started!
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            <pubDate>Tue, 31 May 2011 08:21:20 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/buckhead-lot-sales-increasing.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/buckhead-lot-sales-increasing.html</link>
            <author>ben@hirshrealestate.com (Ben Hirsh)</author>
            <title>Buckhead Lot Sales Increasing</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
When the market is down and home prices are low, new home construction takes a dive. Homeowners can often find existing homes to purchase for much less than it would cost to build a comparable home and builders are certainly not going to build a speculative home without a buyer already commited.


So in 2010 there were only 21 lots sold in Buckhead with an average sale price of $584,000 and a lot size of just over one acre. The most expensive lot sold was prime acreage in Tuxedo Park that sold for $3.7 Million. &nbsp;


When you consider that there are currently 116 lots for sale in Buckhead, this is an anemic rate of sales. However, in the last 60 days we have seen a sharp increase in lot buying activity. Only ten lots in Buckhead have sold so far this year, but recently 13 more have been placed under contracts. In talking with local tradesman I am also being told that there are more tear-downs being requested now than anytime in the last two years. Based on this information, it appears that sales will nearly double during 2011 as buyers start to emerge.


Buying a lot in Buckhead can be a perfect for someone who has always wanted to build a custom home and just cannot find exactly what they want among the current homes for sale in Buckhead. Contact me and describe what you are looking for. I will use my knowledge of the Buckhead market to not only find you the perfect lot, but I will also connect you with top architects, builders, and designers.



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            <pubDate>Thu, 12 May 2011 07:20:35 -0500</pubDate>
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