Atlanta: Growth Still Steady

I was reading THIS ARTICLE on Frobes about the number of growing southern cities. One of the reasons that Forbes identifies Atlanta's strong and steady growth is because of our tech industries. It also cites close proximity to universities (Kennesaw State, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Emory, etc,.) and an increase in population. We have seen a steady increase in population and suburban growth for over a hundred years now. Our unemployment rate is low and our cost of living is good.

Housing, as with the rest of the nation, is a market on the decline now. Many experts feel that the market will take an upturn in the spring. The interest rates are at an all-time low now so if you are interested in positioning yourself for a sale of your current home or the purchase of a new one, let me tell you some things that you can do to make that successful. Give me a call at 770-862-8002 and we can discuss your needs.

-Michael Bradford

Southern Prime Realty

Georgia Growth Promises Steady Market

I recently read THIS ARTICLE by Mary Lou Pickel in the Atlanta Journal & Constitution. It reported the latest census figures that show Georgia ranks as the 5th fastest growing state in the nation. This growth is what is keeping Georgia steady in the real estate market and what will help metro Atlanta's recovery from a slowed market.

"We are the fastest-growing state east of the Rocky Mountains. That confirms a trend that has been in place many years. It's deja vu," said Jeffrey Humphreys, a demographer with the University of Georgia's Selig Center. "It ratifies the fundamental strength that Georgia has as an economic engine," he said. "People come here for jobs and to get educated and to retire."

It's a new year and time to make plans for your dream house. Whether you want to buy or sell a house, I can help make that happen. Call me today and let's talk about how you can put yourself in the best position for the rebounding market. 770-862-8002.

Michael Bradford
Southern Prime Realty

Get Your Home Ready To Sell

In today’s real estate home buyers market, how can sellers make their home stand out among the others? Price is what will sell your house above any other single factor. But where is the threshold between pricing it to sell today and giving it away? Only someone who is on top of the market can really know that. There is a certain amount of subjectivity to pricing some properties but for the most part, it all boils down to comparable properties.

Someone once used this as an analogy, if you could buy a dollar bill for 90 cents on one side of the street and across the street they were selling them for 85 cents, which dollar would you buy? Now we all know it’s not that simple but the concept is the same.

REALTOR® Magazine Online has a great article giving 7 tips for selling your house today. They report the number one tip as “Don't overprice your property”. I wholeheartly agree! An over priced house will only help your competition. Overpriced houses are used by most real estate agents to sell the features or price of another property. I am as guilty as the next guy when I have said something like “remember the house on Elm Street? It had­­­ ______­­ and was $10,000 less than this house”. If you are serious about selling your house today, you need to be that house on “Elm” street, not the one being used to sell it.

The number 2 item was”Set your price to show up in Web searches”. This is such a key strategy that I am always trying to accomplish. Because over 80% of home buyers start their search online, you want your house to fall within as large a search criteria as possible. Location and price are the main search criteria that people key into and price is the only one you can control. Let me help you determine the best price that you can get today for you home. I will make sure that as large an audience as possible will see it in the best possible light.

Michael Bradford
770-862-8002
Cherokee County Georgia Real Estate Specialist

Atlanta: Forbes' Most Undervalued Cities

Forbes magazine recenly published this article by Matt Woolsey about the cities in this country with the most undervalued property. Atlanta was in the top 3 along with Charlotte, NC and Detroit, MI.

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Matt wrote: "Market slumps often result in good buys, and solid investments get tagged with bargain prices due to the volatile market. One place to look for these deals is the housing sector, where worries about a continuing dip in home prices are keeping many buyers on the sidelines, and keeping a lid on prices."

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That is exactly what I tell people everyday when they ask about the market, fearful that they should stay out of it. No! NOW is the time to buy. I firmly believe that the spring will bring a rise in prices and people will not be able to find the deals that are out there today.

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If you are in need of a home, NOW is the time to buy. Call me today so we can get to work. We may even have you in your new dream house by Christmas! 770-862-8002.

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Michael Bradford

Southern Prime Realty

Fear the Market? Why?

Yesterday, I came across THIS ARTICLE from Realtor Magazine that I wanted to share with you. It names Atlanta as the #4 top rebound city for the slow market we are experiencing in this country right now. It projects a 5.6% growth rate. Interestingly, all but 1 of the top 10 cities were in the south.

Interest rates for borrowers with good credit and income are at very reasonable rates and easy to obtain. Quicken loans is quoting 6.25% for today's rate (30 year fixed) which is very affordable. Anyone who is renting and has ever considered owning their own home should be excited and motivated to look at properties now! We don't know how long the buyers market will continue but be assured, it will come back around to a sellers market again.

Don't be one of those people (me included) who says "I should have..."! I look around at property that just a few years ago I could have bought (or even did buy and did not keep) for what would be a great deal today and say "If only I had known...". Real estate has always been, and will continue to be a long term, excellent investment that has created more wealth for individuals than any other single vehicle in this country.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, NOW is the time to buy! Give me a call today and tell me if you are looking for your dream home or just a investment that will give you a nice monthly cash flow and I will do the rest. 770.862.8002

Michael Bradford

Southern Prime Realty

Cherokee Housing Starts Rise in August

I opened this morning's Cherokee Tribune to read a front page article by Ashley Fuller about how new housing permits have increased in August for Cherokee County, GA. They are not near last years rates, but they are a good indicator that the local housing inventory is shrinking becuase builders feel confident that their new homes can sell.

What does this mean for Cherokee County real estate? Better deals on new and used houses! With the market being so competitive now to get houses sold, there are deals fgalore. It is a buyers market and I can help you find a great deal on the house that will be perfect for your needs.

As a seller, I can help market your house so that you can compete with all of the others out there. I use top ranked websites, Talking House technology, real estate magazine ads and direct mail. I also show the houses that I list.

If I can be of service to you, please do not hesitate to call. You can reach me at 770.862.8002.

-Michael Bradford
Southern Prime Realty

Forbes Names Atlanta A Top Affordable Market

If you're not sweating your monthly mortgage payment and don't obsessively check refinancing rates, chances are you live in one of America's most affordable areas.

Homeowners in Indianapolis know what that's like. Its residents don't have to scrimp and save to afford a home at the median price. There, the bulk of the housing stock is well within reach of the average household. Savings depleted? According to our calculations, it would take just two years of gross salary to become a homeowner there.

Cleveland and Detroit are also reasonably priced. But affordability isn't limited to the Midwest. Pittsburgh, Atlanta and Greensboro, N.C., made our list as well. ( Click here to see areas in which it's hardest to buy a home.)

To read the rest of this article, CLICK HERE.

Good News For North Georgia Real Estate!

I was reading an article by Mardell Cully over at realtytimes.com and he made some important observations that I wanted to share with you. He states: "Overall market conditions for Atlanta remain strong and vibrant for several different sectors including first-time homebuyers, buyers "moving-up" to the $200-$350K price range, and investors seeking to capitalize on historically low interest rates. With the current popularity of interest-only loans and competition among lenders, low mortgage rates continue to fuel the housing market and mutually beneficial deals are being negotiated for both buyers and sellers."

Hank Miller from the same site writes:
"We've seen a bit more activity in the North Atlanta real estate market over the last two weeks as relocation buyers from around the country add to local buyers. Now that schools are out in most states, transferees are starting to appear - and that's a good thing! If you're headed to North Atlanta, you'll be pleased with the area as well as the standing inventory of both new and existing homes."

I could not agree with Hank more! I have never seen such inventory of gorgeous homes and beautiful properties. It really is a great market. Even more good news on the horizon, too, according to Cully. He states: "There is plenty of evidence that our leaders and citizens will rise to the challenge of welcoming new residents while maintaining and improving our quality of life. Consider:

• The Quality Growth Task Force is analyzing and developing recommendations for responsible land use and quality growth throughout region.
• The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is advancing the area's first transportation plan, called Mobility 2030. The plan identifies the most congested corridors, establishes goals to fix the worst first, and is recommending accountability and performance measures.
• Future area transportation projects include funding for commuter rail to encompass surrounding counties.
• The newly-created Regional Arts & Culture Leadership Alliance will begin to drive initiatives that will benefit and nurture the arts throughout the region including Atlanta.
• The Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, along with city and state legislature have agreed on guidelines to provide for the region's future water needs, and the local economy will continue to grow through entrepreneurs, as well as big corporations.
• By targeting innovative industries, our research universities offer immediate advantages to emerging fields, such as the biosciences and other technology.
• Internationally, our leaders have positioned Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to continue to be America's gateway for emerging nations and the transportation hub for the entire Southeast.

So there you have it, this market is not one to be afraid of, but rather one to embrace! We have every reason to believe that this next year will be one of the strongest years for any buyer or seller in the north metro Atlanta area. If you need to sell a house or property, look at some to consider buying or you just want to know what you should be doing if you are thinking about doing either, I will be glad to speak with you. Give me a call today at 770-862-8002.

-Michael