Real Estate Information

Greetings neighbors,

Are you or someone you know thinking about doing a short sale but have been swayed away by the numerous myths? Going through with a short sale is actually an excellent solution for those who owe more on their home than what it is worth. Take a look at a few common myths related to short sales.

The Bank Would Rather Foreclose Than Deal With A Short Sale

This is one of the chief misconceptions in relation to short sales. In actuality, banks prefer not to foreclose on a property due to such high costs of foreclosures. In addition, banks and investors along with the federal government have stated that if a home owner qualifies for a short sale then that is something definitely worth looking into. Also banks gain more on their investment through a short sale than a foreclosure.

You Must Be Behind On Your Mortgage To Negotiate A Short Sale

Although this may have been true initially, today's lenders are not on the lookout for those who can prove they've fallen onto hard times or hardship, a decrease in monthly income, or pending shortfalls and losses.

If you find yourself in this situation do not wait until foreclosure is your only option, act now.

There Is Not Enough Time To Negotiate A Short Sale Before My Foreclosure

This myth can definitely hurt a home owner. Because foreclosure is a process, there is time to decide on whether to go through with the foreclosure or do a short sale.

Your foreclosing party has the ability to delay a foreclosure up to it's final day of processing. This can be done with as little as a phone call from the home owner stating they're trying to sale. Most lenders will stall with a legitimate contract.

It's Embarrassing To List A Home As A Short Sale

Reservations about listing your home as a short sale is understandable, however you must remember that you are not the only one in the country who owes more on your home than what it's worth. Recent studies show that more than 1 out of 8 U.S. homeowners are in the same boat as you.

Note: 40-60% of U.S. home sales will result in short sales or foreclosures

Thinking about a short sale and need more information contact us, the zac team RE/MAX Greater Atlanta.

Hello neighbors,

It seems that housing starts have taken a turn for the best especially last month. According to recent data, there has been a trend of increasing housing starts since the beginning of this year.

Last month there was a rise of 1.6% to a seasonally adjusted 626,000 annualized units according to the Commerce Department. In addition to March 2010, February 2010 produced a higher revised number of 616,000 which was up 1.1% from the 570,000 that was previously reported. The first estimate was predicted to be a 5.9% drop.

The increase in starts can be contributed to the Southern region of the country as well as to multifamily starts. There was a drop of 0.9% to 531,000 of single-family homes last month but an increase of 39.7% to 88,000 for multifamily units.

Greetings neighbors,

A recent report from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Department of Housing and Urban Development released data results for the Administration's Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) for March 2010.

According to the loan modification report, over 1.4 million homeowners received an offer for a trail modification in addition to 1.1 million borrowers who received an average savings of $500 per month.

The report also showed that more than 230,000 homeowners were granted permanent modifications in addition to 108,000 permanent modifications approved by servicers which are pending borrower acceptance.

All in all, there has been a cumulative savings of more than $3 billion in relation to  homeowners' lower monthly mortgage payments under HAMP.

Greetings neighbors,

Check out this spacious split level home at 2384 Melinda Drive in Echo Hills. Recently renovated, this 4 bedroom, 3 bath home is located on a private lot and contains an ample amount of space for a growing family!

You will appreciate features such as: gorgeous custom cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and gleaming new hardwoods. You will find hardwood flooring is consistent throughout the upper level! A newly renovated full bath with whirlpool tub can be found off the hall!

You will find a spacious deck just pass sliding doors which is perfect for family fun and entertainment!

Other amenities you are sure to appreciate include a separate laundry room off the kitchen and carport, and large storage room!

You have to see it to believe it, view the virtual tour here!

For more information and the most current price of this home, please call our 24-hour hot line for free, recorded information at 1.888.510.1884 and enter code 2724.

Areas we serve: Decatur Georgia, Buckhead Atlanta Georgia, DeKalb County, Fulton County, Avondale Estates, Ansley Park, Virginia Highland, Poncey-Highland, Poncey Highland, Morningside, Candler Park, Grant Park, Lake Claire, Druid Hills, Emory, Inman Park, Downtown Atlanta, Midtown Atlanta, Little Five Points, Edgewood, Cabbagetown, Reynoldstown, East Atlanta, Kirkwood, Oakhurst, Medlock, Fernbank, Castleberry Hill, East Lake, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Atlanta lofts, Atlanta condos, Atlanta luxury condos, Atlanta townhouse

Hello neighbors,

More good news is starting to surface in the housing market! According to a HouseHunt Current Market Conditions survey, there is strong evidence that the market has bottomed resulting in the emergence of a more balanced housing market throughout the U.S.

Data from the survey which was reported during the first quarter of this year also show price stabilization after very high declines during the past two to four years. In addition, some of these prices are appreciating despite recent foreclosure activity, short sales, reluctant lenders, and etc.

Additional news illuminating from the survey include the buyer-seller ratio which is almost obsolete as well as repeat buyers making up 50% of all transactions in which three months ago they accounted for only 34%.

Another positive change includes the amount of time needed to sell a home. According to at least half of HouseHunt's member agents, sellers are receiving between 95-100% of their asking price.

Hello neighbors,

Are you in the process of selling your home? Well here's one thing to remember, a vacant home does not fair well in today's market. Wondering why? Here are 5 reasons:

People Don’t Simply Buy Houses; they buy the next chapter of their lives

Because purchasing a home can be pretty emotional and emotions play a large role in a buyers decision on what they may purchase and how much they are willing to pay, a vacant home displays no signs of life which leads to a lost of emotional connection for the potential buyer.

Vacancy distracts buyers from looking at the house itself

Buyers may begin to wonder the reason for selling such as: Is this home hard to sell? Is the sell a result of divorce? Do the sellers have financial issues? In this instance the potential buyer may feel the home owner is desperate and make a low offer.

When a house is vacant, buyers focus on flaws

Buyers will take special notice to small things such as nail holes, wear and tear in the carpet, gaps in the molding, and etc instead of paying attention to the actual space and amenities of the home. This can also decrease the price.

People can't visualize how furniture fits

Empty rooms may look awkward to a potential buyer. He or she may not be able to visualize their furniture in the home because they have nothing to go by. Also empty space may confuse a buyer causing them to bypass the vacant home and move on to the next prospect.

Vacant houses don't show as well as staged and occupied homes

An empty home has a tendency to acquire a stale and empty smell, gathers dust, and typically produces an unattractive look especially to potential buyers. This then leads to a cut in showing time and leads to fewer sales.

Hello neighbors,

According to the National Association of Realtors, the rise of pending home sales this past February is an indication of the second surge of home sales in relation to the home buyer tax credit.

The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) showed a rise of 8.2% making it 97.6 compared to 90.2 in January which remains 17.3% higher than February 2009's number of 83.2.

In addition, the PHSI for the Northeast increased by 9.0% to 77.7 in February and increased by 18.9 % in comparison to February 2009. In the Midwest there was an increase of 21.8% to 97.9 which is 18.8% higher than last year. As for our neck of the woods, the South had an increase of 9.2% which produced a number of 107.0 and is 17.5% higher than February 2009's index. Lastly, there was a decrease of 4.8% in the west producing an index 98.0 which is still 14.6% higher than last year.

Economists believe March data can produce even larger improvements!

Hello neighbors,

We have a wonderful 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, Virginia Highland home located at 1343 Northview Avenue. This home is actually much larger than it appears with an over-sized eat-in kitchen with garden window, plenty of cabinets, and large pantry!

Other features of the home you are sure to appreciate include hardwood floors throughout the main level, gas fireplace, and extra closet space. You will also love the home's formal dining room and main bath with marble shower, sunken tub, and dual vanity!

The home's sun filled family room which extends into the back yard will surely come in handy on a beautiful Atlanta day.

For your exterior amenities you will find a relaxing screened porch in addition to your deck and backyard with blooming hydrangeas in the spring!

This home also comes with a full apartment upstairs with separate entry, vaulted ceilings, kitchen, and full bath!

View the virtual tour here!

For more information and the most current price of this home, please call our 24-hour hot-line for free, recorded information at 1.888.510.1884 and enter code 2254.

Areas we serve: Decatur Georgia, Buckhead Atlanta Georgia, DeKalb County, Fulton County, Avondale Estates, Ansley Park, Virginia Highland, Poncey-Highland, Poncey Highland, Morningside, Candler Park, Grant Park, Lake Claire, Druid Hills, Emory, Inman Park, Downtown Atlanta, Midtown Atlanta, Little Five Points, Edgewood, Cabbagetown, Reynoldstown, East Atlanta, Kirkwood, Oakhurst, Medlock, Fernbank, Castleberry Hill, East Lake, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Atlanta lofts, Atlanta condos, Atlanta luxury condos, Atlanta townhouses.

Hello neighbors,

Get out and enjoy this beautiful Atlanta weather! Look at what the zac team found to do today.

Orchid Daze: Towers of Flowers - Come out and enjoy the power of flowers @ Atlanta Botanical Garden - 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30309, (404) 876-5859. Time: 9am - 5pm. Price: Free with garden admission.

Georgia Aquarium - Come and experience one of Atlanta's most popular attractions @ Georgia Aquarium - 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta, GA, 30313, (404) 581-4000. Time: 10am.

Cars, Cars, Cars! - Have a love for cars? Bring the family out to the Woodruff Arts Center: High Museum of Art -1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta, GA, 30309, (404) 733-444. Time: 12pm.

Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta Adoption Day - Come out and see adorable Golden Retrievers available for adoption @ Pet Supplies Plus - 2329 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA, 30324. Time: 12pm - 2pm.

Bike MS: Atlanta to Athens Inaugural Fundraiser Bike Ride April 10th-11th  Come out and ride for a good cause @ Georgia State University - Decatur St. and Peachtree Center Ave., Atlanta, GA, 30303, (404) 651-2000. Time: 5pm, Price: $50 registration plus minimum individual or team fundraising total.

April Sunday Share - Come out for this unique dining experience @ Ecco - 40 Seventh St. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30308, (404) 347-9555. Time: 6:30pm, Price: $35 per person.

Marcus Johnson Live at Sambuca - Come out and treat your ears to the sounds of Marcus Jonson @ Sambuca Jazz Cafe - 3102 Piedmont Rd. N.E., Atlanta, GA, 30305, (404) 237-5299. Time: 6:30pm.

Obscura Dance Performance - Come out and view these young Atlanta artist, Choreography and performances by: Ellen Lyle, Sophie Slesinger, and dancers @ Eyedrum - 290 Martin Luther King Jr Dr. South, Atlanta, GA, 30312, (404) 522-0655. Time: 5pm - 6pm.

Greetings neighbors,

How would you like to step into your dream home? Well take a look at this 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home located at 1028 Shady Valley Place.

You will be delighted with the newly designed kitchen that contains features such as a large breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, and eat-in breakfast nook! In addition you will find other features such as a fireplace with surrounding bookcases, vaulted ceilings, and a wall of windows with a door to the deck in your great room. You will also love the sunny formal dining room!

On the main floor you will find your master bedroom with sitting room and vaulted ceilings, and a master bath with jetted garden tub!

You are guaranteed to love this home's spacious lower level with wet bar, pool table, built-in media center in bonus living room, and screened-in porch!

For you external entertainment you will appreciate the wrap deck with built-in gas grill overlooking the home's fenced in back yard! Other amenities include two-car garage, corner lot, and community pool and tennis!

View the virtual tour here!

For more information and the most current price of this home, please call our 24-hour hotline for free, recorded information at 1.888.510.1884 and enter code 2774.

Areas we serve: Decatur Georgia, Buckhead Atlanta Georgia, DeKalb County, Fulton County, Avondale Estates, Ansley Park, Virginia Highland, Poncey-Highland, Poncey Highland, Morningside, Candler Park, Grant Park, Lake Claire, Druid Hills, Emory, Inman Park, Downtown Atlanta, Midtown Atlanta, Little Five Points, Edgewood, Cabbagetown, Reynoldstown, East Atlanta, Kirkwood, Oakhurst, Medlock, Fernbank, Castleberry Hill, East Lake, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Atlanta lofts, Atlanta condos, Atlanta luxury condos, Atlanta townhouses.