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        <title>Atlanta Real Estate Blog - Hirsh Real Estate Specialists</title>
        <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/</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/four-excellent-buckhead-homes-for-sale.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/four-excellent-buckhead-homes-for-sale.html</link>
            <author>ben@hirshrealestate.com (Ben Hirsh)</author>
            <title>Four Excellent Buckhead Homes For Sale</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
There are 655 Homes for sale today in Buckhead (a healthy 11-month supply), but I wanted to highlight four homes that I have seen that are particularly appealing. All four homes would appeal to very different buyers, but Buckhead has something for everyone!


Buckhead's Most Stunning Condo


There are some wonderful luxury condos in Buckhead, but this 2-floor/360-degree beauty at&nbsp;the Residences Mandarin Oriental&nbsp;clocks in at around 10,000 square feet. It comes as a shell so the new owner can turn it into their personal paradise in the sky. Pictures really do not do this place justice. The last time I showed it I could not help myself from just stopping and staring through the massive picture windows at the incredible views. Finished with good taste, this truly has the potential to be one of the finest high-rise condos in the world.





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Buckhead Foreclosure


This is a very special property that is bank-owned and would be ideal for a family willing to take on an ambitious renovation or for an investor who can improve the property and let us sell it at a profit. This home checks nearly all of the right boxes for a family with children:




Culdesac Street


Sarah Smith school district


Rare Buckhead swim/tennis neighborhood


4000 square feet with plenty of space to grow!




Comparable neighborhood homes have recently sold for $600,000+ so this one is real deal, but it needs $100k of tlc, so not for the faint!





&nbsp;


Buckhead Mini Estate


Although this home may not be the most updated at the price, it has the classic curb appeal, location, space, and acreage to give you an "Estate" in Buckhead at a reasonable price. The beautiful grounds are private and feature level lawns and a pool. Best of all the location puts you just a few minutes walk to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area....one of my favorite places to be in Buckhead!





&nbsp;


Better Than New In Buckhead - $200,000 Below Appraised Value


Ok, so I may be biased here since I own this home, but it is my favorite home on the market right now. It checks a lot of the boxes for people in many different stages of life, but the open living area &nbsp;and kitchen are the greatest points, on par with homes double this price point. Just 2 months ago an independent appraisal returned a value of $725,000 so it is a great value on top of being a beautiful home in top condition!



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            <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 16:31:42 -0500</pubDate>
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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.
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            <pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 15:42:45 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/what-does-buffet-say-about-the-buckhead-real-estate-market.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/what-does-buffet-say-about-the-buckhead-real-estate-market.html</link>
            <author>ben@hirshrealestate.com (Ben Hirsh)</author>
            <title>What Does Buffet Say About The Buckhead Real Estate Market?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
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.&nbsp; 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&nbsp;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.&nbsp;


As the chart below shows, more homes sold in Buckhead during the first quarter of this year, despite inventory levels dropping by 29% during the same period. It looks like the laws of supply and demand may step in soon and reverse the downward price trend.





What Does This Mean For You?


While buyers still seem to be on top in this market, there has been a noticable shift in the market toward sellers having more leverage. The low inventory has meant a lot of competition among buyers, with multiple offers being the new normal. Smart buyers are being patient for the right property to come along, but then pounce quickly when it does.


If you are on the fence about buying, then now may be the time to take Warren Buffet's advice and purchase a new home. Give me a call to get started today!
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            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:47:47 -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.
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            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:54:56 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/buckhead-short-sale-now-750000.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/buckhead-short-sale-now-750000.html</link>
            <author>ben@hirshrealestate.com (Ben Hirsh)</author>
            <title>Buckhead Short Sale Now $750,000</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
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.&nbsp;If this home is not quite right for you, take a look at&nbsp;our other homes for sale in Buckhead.



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            <pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:21:02 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/spring-is-here.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/spring-is-here.html</link>
            <author>Kevin@HirshRealEstate.com (Kevin Knox)</author>
            <title>Spring is here!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



&nbsp;


Spring is here and it is time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful 
weather.&nbsp; Instead of just cutting the grass or pulling weeds how about 
finally visiting those houses you have been eyeing for so long?&nbsp; I have 
found an incredible deal that offers amazing amenities.&nbsp; You could enjoy
 the luxury of living in a Golf and Country Club neighborhood.&nbsp; Not only
 that, this neighborhood also offers a playground and a swimming pool.&nbsp; 
Woodmont Golf and Country Club is a great community for all ages.&nbsp; This 
house offers a large kitchen and a bonus room on the third floor.&nbsp; It is definitely worth your time to take a look.


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 609 Baybrook Way&nbsp; Canton, GA


&nbsp;











Let me know if you would like to see this house in person.&nbsp; I do not expect that it will stay on the market very long.


Kevin Knox - Realtor - 770-846-0907 &nbsp;or email:&nbsp;kevin@hirshrealestate.com
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:01:57 -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.
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            <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!
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            <pubDate>Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:35:30 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/13-acre-buckhead-lot-for-sale-200000.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.hirshrealestate.com/blog/13-acre-buckhead-lot-for-sale-200000.html</link>
            <author>ben@hirshrealestate.com (Ben Hirsh)</author>
            <title>1.3 Acre Buckhead Lot For Sale - $200,000</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
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 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 land value in Buckhead. Click Here for more information and contact me with your questions.





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            <pubDate>Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:41:36 -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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