Real Estate Information

Greetings neighbors,

With the many changes that have occurred in the housing market lately, one who is looking to sell their home needs to be aware of how to maximize the value and sales price of their home in the current market. Here are 7 tips from RISMedia you can use when placing your home on the market.

Tip 1: Do Not Over Price Your Home - It is understandable that a home can be a prized possession but don't over price your home. Many consumers this day in age are looking for a good deal. Also keep in mind, the longer your home is on the market, the stronger the buyer's negotiating powers become. 

Tip 2: Select Internet - Friendly Pricing - With more and more people becoming technology savvy, over 80% of consumers start their new home searches online. Many real estate sites will filter home prices in increments of $25,000 to $50,000. For example, if your asking price is $555,777 and a consumer set their max price at $550,000 while searching online, your home will not populate. In addition, home prices ending in 000 (200,000) typically sell better than those ending in 500 (200,500).

Tip 3: List the Home on Friday - Most consumers love to check for weekend prices and will pull up new listings on Friday.

Tip 4: Occupy or Stage the Home - Buyers typically prefer to view a home that feels "homie" or looks lived-in. However, do not over personalize your home. Remember to keep it balanced. If you move into a new home before selling your home it may be a good idea to hire someone to professionally stage your home to look as if someone is currently living there.

Tip 5: Monitor Local Foreclosures - In today's market, foreclosures have actually become an aggressive opponent to sellers. Therefore, if your neighborhood contains a high number of foreclosures, wait to place your home on the market if possible.  If you have to place your home on the market remember, the selling price would have to be competitively priced in order to compete with the surrounding foreclosures in the neighborhood.

Tip 6: Keep the Home Neat and Clean - With many foreclosures on the market, those who are looking for homes are liable to see potential homes at their worst. Remember, a neat and clean home will attract more potential buyers.

Tip 7: Keep Records - Disclosures are not included in foreclosures, therefore sellers who are attempting to sell their home should keep updated records, photos, and permits handy for the buyer which will make them feel more comfortable about purchasing your home. This will also give them a competitive advantage over other neighborhood properties that are in foreclosure.

Needing to place your home on the market? Let us help, the zac team @ RE/MAX Greater Atlanta. Call: 404-564-7200 or E-mail Zac at sold@zac.biz.

Greetings neighbors,

You are sure to love this 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo located at 805 Peachtreeland marked building, this corner condominium's light-filled floor plan contains a wonderful living room, beautiful master suite with separate tub and shower, and corner rooms with Midtown views! Street in Midtown! 

In addition, you are guaranteed to love the modern kitchen with European cabinets, Corian counter tops, and breakfast bar.

In addition, this home contains bonus space within the living room, however the walls can easily be removed without damage to the flooring or ceiling if needed.

You will also find that the building is thermally insulated for your comfort and utility savings!

Other amenities of this lovely condo include: huge fitness center, clubroom, swimming pool with newly purchased furniture with curtained cabanas, easy-access bike cage, 24-hour concierge, cable TV, Internet, and additional storage unit by elevators!

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 2964.

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

Greetings neighbors,

Check out this freshly decorated 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home located at 3174 Newcastle Way.

You will appreciate the tile foyer that welcomes you into the light and airy floor plan. This home contains a  large and spacious family room and living room which is great for those who love to entertain! You will also find that the room contains a neutral color palate that awaits your finishing touches and furnishings.

In addition, you are guaranteed to love the freshly white painted modern kitchen with full appliance package, main level laundry, and a pantry which contains plenty of storage space!

The carpeted master bedroom is located on the main floor and gives you a private place to unwind. You will also find features such as ceiling fans and six - panel doors in this amazing find.

Wonderful opportunity for first-time home buyers or homeowners looking to downsize toward retirement!

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 2474.

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

Greetings neighbors,

Take a look at this updated 4 bedroom, 3 bath brick home located at 3287 Ferncliff Place.  This unique home comes with a large family room with built-ins and spacious dining room with French doors leading to a wonderful back porch.

Other features of this home include: natural and gas fireplaces, gleaming hardwood floors, private guest suite, and triple pane windows!

You are sure to enjoy the updated kitchen and granite counter tops! Other amenities of the kitchen area include: stainless appliances, tile flooring, eat in breakfast area, and exposed brick walls.  As for features of your main suite, you will find a large closet and stylish master bath!

In addition, this home gives you a finished basement complete with: home office or library, kitchenette with wine fridge and built-in microwave, guest suite with private bathroom, and over-sized living room!

As for the home's exterior features, you will find: privacy fencing, gated driveway, back deck with pergola, storage shed, and fragrant magnolias!

This unbelievable find is only minutes away from Lenox and highways 85 and 400. You will also enjoy the magnificent view of the Buckhead skyline!

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 2264.

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

Greetings neighbors,

As Americans try to maintain and overcome, and as the economy tries to recuperate, many home owners are considering the option of refinancing. It has been said that the current market conditions is actually making this the perfect time to refinance. Here are 5 reasons to refinance your home:

Low Interest Rates - Interest rates at this time are hitting all time lows which makes for the perfect time to refinance if you currently have a higher rate interest loan. If you are able to drop your rate by half a point or a point, it's well worth it.

From Adjustable Rate to Fixed Rate - Due to lower fixed interest rates, it would be a favorable move for home owners to switch from an adjustable rate loan to a fixed 15 - year or 30 -year loan. Although the adjustable payment may be less right now, once rates rise again, the adjustable rate will surpass the fixed 15 - year or 30 - year loan rate.

Shorter Term/Save More - Because there's a significant difference in fixed 15 - year and 30 - year interest rates, refinancing for a shorter loan term can be a compelling opportunity which can save thousands and shorten the payoff time for a minute increase in monthly payments.

Lowering Energy Bills Through Refi - FHA efficiency mortgages offers consumers a way to refinance into a loan that will provide opportunity for home efficiency improvements. These improvements can lower utility bill through home repairs.

Equity Situation - Those who may have little to no equity in their homes may need to ask for help from their brokers or lenders who should be flexible with government programs designed to reduce rates for consumers with equity problems.

Greetings neighbors,

It's that time again, tax time, and many people are hoping they don't have to pay back especially with the past year being so difficult economically. This year, tax payers will have a few more deductions and credits to work with that will hopefully "stimuli" their pockets. Here are a few tax breaks listed by RISMedia tax payers may want to consider:

Donations to Haiti - If you made a much needed charitable donation to earthquake victims then you can deduct this on your 2009 return. Remember this is only good for cash donations that were made by check, text, or credit cards. Clothing and other property donated does not qualify.

Making Work Pay Credit- This is good for credits up to $400 for single filers and $800 for joint filers that fall within certain income brackets. Implemented to give consumers more money at a fast past, employers actually decreased the amount of taxes taken out in one's paycheck. To claim this particular credit, filers will need to fill out the new Schedule M if filing a 1040 or 1040A.

Home Buyer Credit - The much talked about home buyer tax credit is sure to be filed this year by many first time buyers who are eligible to receive up to $8000 as well as non-first time buyers who are eligible for up to $6500. In order to claim this credit you must currently have a house under contract by the end of April and close by the end of June.

Car Sales Tax Deduction- If you made purchases such as a new car, motorcycle, or mobile home between February 17, 2009 and the end of last year, it is possible that you will be able to deduct the sales tax paid on the first $49,500 of the purchase price. Remember, itemization is not required for you to receive this deduction.

These are just a few examples of possible breaks you may want to consider when filing your taxes this year. To read the complete article and to see the remaining tax breaks click here.

Hello neighbors,

Recent reports revealed that the exclusive Mansion on Peachtree hotel was finally sold in a foreclosure auction on Tuesday for only $66.1 million which is over a 60% decrease of the estimated loan cost of $187.4 million. An affiliate of the lead lender, iStar Financial, made the big purchase on Tuesday after the property received a foreclosure notice last month on January 6th.

Containing 127 rooms, the hotel portion of the development is five star quality and ran by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts LLC. In addition, the posh property contains 45 luxury condominiums.

After the first sign of distress on December 31st of last year, the property caught the eye of many big time investors such as Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons.

The property is considered one of the most high-profile foreclosures of the recent economic downfall.

Greetings neighbors,

Take a look at this brand new, gated town home community @ 4271 High Park Lane. Unit #16 is a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home that you are sure to love!

With this open floor plan's great room, you will have no problem with entertaining, family activities, and special events.

As for your master bedroom, you will find a spacious closet for your needs. In addition, you are guaranteed to love the kitchen with breakfast bar and complete kitchen appliance package!

Other features of this lovely home that you may find suitable include hardwood and tile flooring and thermal glass, which will surely save you a few bucks!

As for exterior features and in the neighborhood, you will find that each unit comes with a relaxing patio. In addition, the neighborhood consist of a wonderful landscape with a park, playground, and picnic area!

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,

Happy Groundhog Day! As many of you may already know, today was Groundhog Day and the furry creature Punxsutawney Phil had no mercy on us in regards to this chilling Winter season when he saw his shadow.

As the old tradition goes, if the ground hog see his shadow then we are stuck with 6 more weeks of winter weather. However, if he doesn't see his shadow, we are granted an early Spring.

With this tradition dating back to the 1800's, this ground hog has definitely kept up with the times as well as technology. Just like everyone else this day in age, Punxsutawney Phil likes to send text messages too. If you are interested in receiving Punxsutawney's weather prediction from today, just text Groundhog to 247365.

Greetings neighbors,

As you may already know, one of the biggest stories in the real estate market for the past few months to a year has been the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit and it's extension.  Many people who have decided to take advantage of Obama's plan during the economic recovery are concerned with getting back on their feet.  According to a survey by Coldwell Banker, consumers would choose to spend their tax credit on:

Paying off debts - 34% said they would use their tax credit to pay off debts. This act will free up more money for investments or saving.

Home Improvements - 29% said they would use the tax credit to make home improvements. This act increases home values as well as home equity.

Place into Savings or Investments - 28% said they would place money received into a savings account of invest. This act is better for returns opposed to purchasing with credit.

Looking for a home to get in on the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Extension? Let the zac team help, give us a call at 1.800.510.1884.