Just click the image below to visit our Facebook Fan Page - North Atlanta Real Estate and Homes and then click on
We'll be posting links to our blog, Atlanta real estate news and tips, and fun photos of the Atlanta area. If you're a past client, friend or member of The Gebhardt Group family - or would like to be! - please visit our page and become a fan. We'd love to have you!
I know I won't be the first person to write a blog about this market being "a Price War and a Beauty Contest" - and I don't think I'll be the last. I certainly don't take credit for coining the phrase!
I first heard it at a conference about two years ago, as the market started to shift. And since then, I've heard it almost ad nauseum - probably because it truly is an accurate description of today's real estate market.
So what does it mean to you, as a seller? It means that, if you are trying to sell your home or thinking about putting it on the market, there are more things to consider now than ever before.
It means your home needs to be priced right - meaning well within the comparable sales within the past six months. More and more often, appraisers are only looking within the past six months' comps in order to justify your homes purchase price. It doesn't matter where other listings in the neighborhood are priced - it only matters what homes have recently sold for. It also doesn't matter how much you have into your home - what you spent to finish the basement, how much you spent on landscaping, etc. All that matters is the recent comparable sales.
It also means your home has to have on its "prettiest dress"- meaning it must be the best-looking and well maintained in the area, not just in the neighborhood. Fresh paint, clean carpets and flooring, no clutter. A well-manicured lawn, a cobweb-free deck. Having an updated kitchen and master bathroom can make a difference. Buyers are looing at more and more houses these days than they used to - they know they have plenty to look at, with the surplus of inventory on the market, and they know they have time to look, with homes taking longer to sell. Buyers are pickier now, because they can be.
Finally, this can mean that if you don't absolutely have to sell, now may not be the best time to put your home on the market. Of course, if you do have to sell, do your best to make your home the best it can be. Sellers often ask us, "why would I want to put money into a home that I'm about to leave?" The answer, at least in today's market, is that's what you need to do to get it sold.
What are you doing for this 4th of July holiday weekend?
Whether you are planning to enjoy a spectacular fireworks display, cook out, go boating, take a vacation...or just sit back and relax and enjoy a few days off from work, won't you take a few moments to think about those whom we have to thank for our freedom? The brave men and women of our military, who may not get to enjoy days off this weekend - whose work goes on despite the holiday - especially those who are deployed to far-off, hostile lands, fighting for you and for me. Take a moment to hope for their safety, to hope that they may soon come home and see their loved ones.
And if you see someone in uniform this weekend - or any time - pause a second and thank him or her for all they do for our country. Just a simple "thank you" can speak volumes and will be remembered and appreciated.
The Gebhardt Group is already planning our "4th Annual Trick or Treat for the Troops" - our annual event collecting donations for care packages for our troops who are deployed during the winter holiday season. If you want more information about this year's event, or if you know of a member of our military who is or will be deployed, please contact us! You can email me at Maura@GebhardtGroup.com. We'd love to give you more information and to put your loved one's name on our list of care package recipients!
TRUTH: When I saw this bar of chocolate in the gourmet chocolate section at my local Fresh Market in Johns Creek, GA, I knew I had to take a picture of it. After all, no one would believe me if I told them I saw a bacon chocolate bar.
Then I realized I had to write a blog about it, too, because it was just too good to pass up. (My apologies if you find the correlation to real estate a bit of a stretch - just be entertained by the chocolate bar!)
Forrest Gump said, "Life is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're gonna get." Real estate is like that, too.
You never know what your new clients will be like - will they be friendly or nasty, easy-going or picky, analytical or sentimental? The same goes for potential new listings.You show up for the listing appointment - will it be outdated wallpaper or freshly painted neutral colors, chipped laminate countertops or sparkling new granite, well-maintained or cluttered?
Have you ever sampled the chocolates in your Whitman's Sampler - taken a tiny nibble to make sure it's a flavor you like instead of one you don't? Do you ever wish you could do that with your clients - take a little nibble, take them for a test-drive, before committing to them? (After all, some of them do that with us, right?)
Life is like a box of chocolates - I'm just not sure I want to take a bite out of the bacon-flavored one. But perhaps that's part of the excitement of being a REALTOR® - you really never know what you're gonna get!
By the way, if you're interested in trying this bizarre chocolate bar, you can find it online on the Vosges Haut-Chocolat website (those of you in Chicago, New York City and Las Vegas can visit their boutiques). Mo's Bacon Bar is actually listed as #2 on their Top 10 Best Sellers list, which kind of makes me want to try it now! Other interesting flavors include:
deep milk chocolate with extra virgin first-press olive oil + dried kalamata olives
dark chocolate with ginger + wasabi + black sesame seeds
deep milk chocolate with sweet Indian curry + fresh coconut.
I bought the Red Fire Bar: Mexican ancho & chipotle chillies + Ceylon cinnamon + dark chocolate (great with red wine!).
Over a couple of glasses of wine last night, I had a revelation: In this current market, a good house is like a fine wine.
Now, you might think that I wasn't thinking too clearly or that it was the wine talking, but hear me out: in today's tougher markets, across the country, the homes that are selling quickly and for top dollar (or as close to top dollar as we can get these days) are the exceptional ones. Gone are the days when homes fly off the market, regardless of their condition and upkeep. These days, as I'm sure you've heard over and over, "It's a Price War and a Beauty Contest."
But it's more than that.
Now, I'm no wine expert - heck, I can't even pronounce "sommelier" (well, maybe I wouldn't go that far), butI know what I like and what I don't - the same with houses.
I know that I like homes that are clean. Homes in which the colors are soothing and pleasing. Homes that have a variety of living spaces, from formal to informal, indoor and outdoor, homes with versatility. I like homes that are light and airy. Homes that are updated, homes that don't feel stuffy. Homes that smell good. Homes that feel comfortable. Some of the things that attract me to a home are things that I can't quite put my finger on - they have a certain "je ne sais quoi" about them - some buyers will say, "It just feels like home," even though they can't quite verbalize why. And sometimes with wine I know that I like what I'm drinking but I couldn't tell you exactly why.
Like a good house, wine has to smell appealing, appetizing. It has to be comfortable. It should be versatile. The color should be attractive, pleasing. It should be well-balanced.
That's when I realized it - it's the subtle things. And that is, from what I've heard from those who know much more than I do about vino, the same with wine. It's the subtleties. The hints of "color" and "texture" and "the nose". The things that I don't necessarily understand about wine, but I know they are there.
Are you planning to buy a home in Georgia sometime soon? If so, you may want to act now - or at least before November 30, 2009!
On Monday, May 11, Governor Sonny Perdue signed the Georgia Homebuyer Tax Credit Bill into law, enabling all homebuyers who purchase a home between that date and November 30, 2009, to be eligible to receive a credit on their state taxes. This is for all homebuyers, not just first-time homebuyers!
Though not nearly as exciting as the $8,000 Federal First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit, the state tax credit is still a breakthrough - proving once again there has never been a better time to buy a home! The government is basically paying you to buy a home!
There are a few things you need to know, however, to be sure that you are eligible for the credit. The follow single-family structures (including townhomes and condominiums) are eligible for the tax credit:
"a) Any residence (including a new residence, one occupied at the time of sale, or a previously occupied residence) that was must have been for sale prior to May 11, 2009 and that remained for sale after May 11, 2009; or b) A residence with respect to which a foreclosure event has taken place and which is owned by the mortgagor or the mortgagor's agent; or c) An owner-occupied residence with respect to which the owner's acquisition indebtedness was in default on or before March 1, 2009." (from the Georgia Department of Revenue Informational Bulletin CRED-2009-05-19 Eligible Single-Family Residence Tax Credit)
Because the purpose of this tax credit is to reduce existing housing inventory, the date the property was listed and the amount of time it has been on the market is very important. In order to be eligible for the credit, you must purchase a home that was on the market prior to the bill being signed into law and remained for sale after that date. Your REALTOR® can help you to determine whether the homes you are looking at are eligible.
The tax credit is worth 1.2% of the sales price, to a maximum credit of $1,800, spread evenly over three years' taxes. For example, if you purchase a home for $150,000, then your credit would be $1,800.00. Meaning you will get (if you file the correct paperwork at tax time next year!) $600 per year on the next three years' taxes, the maximum amount allowed under the law. Purchase a $100,000 home and your credit will be $1,200.00, equaling $400 per year for three years. Purchase a $300,000 home and you would still receive the maximum amount, etc.
If you have any questions about buying a home in Georgia, please give The Gebhardt Group a call today! We would be happy to answer any questions that you have and help you achieve your tax credit!
Surely, by now, you have heard about the $8,000 Federal Tax Credit for First-Time Homebuyers for 2009. It truly is an amazing time to be a first-time homebuyer! The government is practically paying you to buy a home!
Here are a couple of things that you need to know about the $8,000 Federal Tax Credit for First-Time Homebuyers, which may help you to make up your mind to become a homeowner!
The tax credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home up to $8,000, whichever is less.
The amount of credit you receive is also influenced by your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), whether you file individually or jointly - see charts below for the amounts
Any single-family residence in the United States that will be used as your principal residence- in other words, you will live in this home the majority of the time - this includes single-family detached homes, condominiums, townhomes, co-ops, lofts, and any other new or existing dwelling
The tax credit directly reduces the amount you owe when you file your taxes - for example, if you owe $2,000 for your 2009 taxes,you would receive a refund of the remainder of the credit, equally $6,000
You do not have to repay the 2009 tax credit, however, you cannot sell your home within three years of the purchase date, otherwise the government will recapture the amount of the credit you received - in other words, they will take it back
You must complete Form 5405 and submit it with your taxes in order to receive the credit and provide proper documentation - please consult your accountant or other tax professional before submitting for your tax credit
If you have any questions about buying your first home, please give The Gebhardt Group a call today! We would be happy to answer any questions that you have and help you achieve your tax credit!
I had the distinct pleasure to attend Senator Johnny Isakson's first official First-Time Homebuyer Workshop on Saturday, June 27, on behalf of the Atlanta Board of REALTORS®. With about 100 attendees, many potential, interested first-time buyers, Senator Isakson's staff thought the event was a successful first try.
With representatives from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), FHA, the VA, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and Mortgage Bankers of Georgia, as well as the Georgia Association of REALTORS® and the Atlanta Board of REALTORS®, attendees had an opportunity to learn about available loan programs, the importance of surrounding oneself with licensed and qualified REALTORS®, inspectors, loan officers, and anyone else who is assisting with the process.
In his opening remarks, Senator Isakson urged buyers that now most certainly is a great time to buy, with increased inventory, historically low interest rates and the amazing tax credits available on both the Federal and State of Georgia levels.
The current tax credits - both the $8,000 Federal tax credit for first-time homebuyers and the $1,800 Georgia tax credit for allbuyers (not just first-time homebuyers) - were topics of interest for many of the attendees I spoke to. If you would like more information on these credits and how they can work for you, please email me at Maura@GebhardtGroup.com and I will send you detailed information.
In addition, if you are thinking about buying your first home, please feel free to visit our website www.GebhardtGroup.com to search all homes currently on the market in the Metro Atlanta area. Let The Gebhardt Group work for you!
Today - Friday, June 26 - is Take Your Dog To Work Day, according to my HUmane Society of the United States wall calendar!
Since I work from home, I get to take my pooch to work every day - or rather, I'm lucky enough to be able to spend a lot more time with him than if I had a regular 9-5 job. And for that, I consider myself lucky! But poor Charlie! He never gets to get that special attention that he would get if he could accompany me to my office!
So in honor of Charlie and all the other doggies whose "moms" and "dads" work from home and never get to go into work, I invite you to post pics of your pups in the comments below - at work, at play, at rest, whatever your pooch does all day while you work! Post your photos so we can all admire your adorable canine buddies!
Charlie says, "Throw all commenting etiquette out the window and honor your favorite canine by posting his or her pics here!"
And since Charlie's idea of a "day at the office" is really more like a day at the dog park - here he is with his "office mate" Duke, at a Saturday morning "networking event." Here they are at Newtown Park in Johns Creek, GA - one of our favorite dog parks - right around the corner from home!
Are you thinking of buying your first home? Now is a great time to buy, especially in Georgia. Why?
Prices are at or below 2003 levels
Buyers have amazing choices in inventory
Interest rates are still historically low
Federal $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers
Georgia $1,800 tax credit for ALL buyers
Money is available to well-qualified buyers
FHA loans may be obtained with just 3.5% down
Atlanta's population continues to grow, so that while prices may be down now, they are very likely to return to normal levels of appreciation in the near future
What are you waiting for?
If you'd like to find out more, please join U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson and me tomorrow - Saturday, June 27 from 10 AM to 12 PM at Gwinnett Technical College, located at 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043. U.S. Senator Johnny Isaksonwelcomes you to a free workshop for first-time homebuyers, offering information about homeownership opportunities. Government agencies will be on hand to offer advice and answer questions.
I'll be there - will you? Come meet me at the Atlanta Board of REALTORS® booth - stop by and say hello!
Please RSVP by email to rsvp@isakson.senate.gov or phone (770) 661 661-0999. RSVPs are still being accepted for this great event!
DISCLAIMER: The Gebhardt Group and all of its members disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect that may result from use of or reliance on, information contained in their blogs or for accuracy of comments or opinions of visitors to her blogs.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
I certainly don't take credit for coining the phrase!
TRUTH: When I saw this bar of chocolate in the gourmet chocolate section at my local Fresh Market in Johns Creek, GA, I knew I had to take a picture of it. After all, no one would believe me if I told them I saw a bacon chocolate bar.
about available loan programs, the importance of surrounding oneself with licensed and qualified REALTORS®, inspectors, loan officers, and anyone else who is assisting with the process.
Today - Friday, June 26 - is Take Your Dog To Work Day, according to my HUmane Society of the United States wall calendar!
;)
;)
