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        <title>Atlanta Real Estate Blog - Hirsh Real Estate Specialists</title>
        <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/roswell/</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/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.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 15:42:45 -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/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/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!
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:17:04 -0500</pubDate>
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