North Atlanta Real Estate Blog- RE/MAX All Properties

Roswell Open House - Sunday 5/20/12 in Roswell Ga-Remax All Properties

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:27:35 -0700

I am holding a open house this Sunday 5/20/12 from 2:00-5:00 at 360 Meadowood Dr, Roswell Ga. Stop by and see this home that is freshly painted with new carpet and a new master bathroom - 4 bedroom 2.5 baths for $200K. Offered by John Foster with Re/max All Properties cell 770 722-7010 office 678 455-3048. See more photos at www.FosterHomeInfo.com

Information on Foreclosures - with Charts

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:10:58 -0700

The link below contains a great article on Foreclosures - it shows there is an improvement nationwide.

http://lowes.inman.com/newsletter/2012/04/16/news/184855

If you are interested in Buying a foreclosure - please email me or call me at 770 722-7010. There are some great opportunities out there. I still think we are about 2 years away from working through the foreclosures - that assumes we do not do a double dip receission.

Thinking of buying or selling real estate - please call John Foster at 770 722-7010 or email me at JohnFoster@remax.net - I have helped lots of people find great values in todays markets.

Visit www.FosterHomeInfo.com for more information.

Cumming Real Estate Report - Moving to Cumming - Call John Foster

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:17:40 -0700

I am comparing 2011 with 2012 - in looking at Forsyth County (of which Cumming is the major city), the number of sales are basically flat - increasing from 222 sale in March of 2011 to 225 in March of 2012 - but the average sales price increased by 7.4% from $237,787 to $255,945. I am excited to see the average sale price increase and it will be good to see what the rest of the spring holds for the real estate market.

If you are considering selling your home and live in Alpharetta, Cumming, or Suwanee - call me at 770 722-7010. I know the market and would love to give you a FREE Market Analysis of your home. Visit www.FosterHomeInfo.com for more free information.

Homes sales seem to be on uptrend

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 07:51:23 -0700

RIS media reports the following:

February homes sales were 8.7% higher than the previous February and that is the eighth straight month that has happened. What I am seeing right now is more buyer traffic but with less inventory to show them. The amount of inventory on the market decreased for the 20th straight month and is approximatley 22% lower than a year ago.

All of these are positive signs. The wildcard in a recovery will be foreclosures. As long as they continue at the pace set in 2011 many postential sellers will decide not to list their homes and that will keep inventory levels low. Right now I would like to see a few more homes on the market.

The Alpharetta and Cumming and Suwanee real estate markets seem to have stablized - which is a whole lot better than declining. I am also seeing short sales being completed and at a much quicker pace. My hope this is a sustained improvement and not just the result of the spring selling season. Either way I will take it now.

If you need to buy or sell real estate, or know someone that does, please call me at 770 722-7010. I will take good care of them.

Homes for Sale in Alpharetta - Alpharetta's Top Real Estate Agent

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:19:58 -0800

I have been showing homes in Alpharetta for the past week or so and have noticed a trend the last two days. Yesterday I called to set up 9 showings and 3 of them were under contract. Today I called to set up showings and 5 out of 10 were under contract. I am amazed at how little good inventory is on the market . I think we are seeing the 20-60-20 rule. There is 20% of the homes as soon as they are listed sell quickly - they are priced right and show very well. Then there is 20% that are damaged foreclosures and priced wrong - and they just sit. Then there is about 60% where the sellers take about 6 months to get their homes priced right and in good condition and then they sell - after going through 2-3 agents. One home I am showing has been for sale off and on for about 5 years - I think it is now priced for the condition it is in and will sell.

If you are considering selling a home make sure you are in the top 20%. How do you do that? Hire an honest hard working agent that will talk to you about staging and pricing your home correctly. Call John Foster with Re/max All Properties to get your home on the market and sold - my number is 770 722-7010 - or visit my website at www.FosterHomeInfo.com - but call me if you are wanting to move forward in getting your home sold.

Roswell Office Space for lease at a Great Rate

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:03:25 -0800

I just listed a Corner Unit of Office Space for lease in Roswell Ga. It it in the office Condo park of Corporate Woods and is 2052 sq. ft, an end unit that gets lots of natural light and has drive up parking. It has 9 total offices on 2 floors w/ an oversized offive w/ a private bathroom. Offered at $1,250 per month plus the $175 per month HOA fee.

Alpharetta Short Sale Specialist - John Foster with Remax All Properties

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:17:40 -0800

I closed a short sale transaction last week in Alpharetta last week and my Buyers got a great deal on a home that sold for $382K in 2006 and my Buyers paid a net of $216K - they are very pleased. It needs some cosmetic work like paint and carpet as well as work done on the Furnace but it looks like a great value.

My Buyer wrote this review after working with me: "I found John on the internet and he has been a pleasure to work with. John is a professional and knowledgeable realtor who was dedicated to making our transition to Atlanta the best it could be. After extensive looking, we decided to put an offer on a short sale. John took the time to answer our questions and helped to guide us through the process. A mere 8 weeks after our initial offer, we are in our beautiful new home. I highly recommend working with John Foster"

I am a short sale specialist and work Primarily in Alpharetta, Cumming and Suwanee. If you are considering foreclosure and live in any of those towns please call me - I will review what options you have a available to you including the short sale option. I am a CDPE (Certified Distress Property Expert) and a SFR (Short Sale Foreclosure Resource) which means I have been trained extensively in the options available to families facing foreclosure.

Visit my website at www.FosterHomeInfo.com or email me at JohnFoster@Remax.net or call me at 770 722-7010.

Alpharetta Short Sale Specialist

Cumming Short Sale Specialist

Suwanee Short Sale Specialist

Cumming Homes for sale

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:02:29 -0800

At the end of December there was a six month supply of homes for sale in Cumming. That amount of inventory is a market in equilibrium - it will be interesting to watch over the next 3 months as the inventory level rises. I have two homes I am getting ready to list. As long as sales increase the anticipated 4-5% and the amount of foreclosures on the market does not increase significantly I think 2012 will be a good year.

If you want to buy or sell a home in Cumming, call John Foster with Remax All Properties at 770 722-7010 or visit my website at www.FosterHomeInfo.com

Cumming Real Estate Report - Cumming Remax Agent explains the Cumming Market

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:13:55 -0800

In looking at the Cumming Real Estate Stats - here are a few items that jump out at me. First, note I am looking at all of Forsyth County Data:

Average Sales Price in 2011 $256,372 (A)
Average List price when solds went under contract 272,657 (B)
Average Sales price to list price when went U/C 94% (A)/(B)
Average Original List Price 290,808 (C)
Avg. Original List Price to Sales price 88% (A)/(C)

From the stats it looks like on average home owners go through an average of two price adjustments before getting their home priced right. What happens if they do not get their homes priced right - they expire and there were a lot of expired listings. 2,595 homes sold in Cumming (Forsyth County) in 2011 - if you need to sale make sure you talk to John Foster with Remax All properties at 770 722-7010. I know the Cumming market and will be direct and honest with you so you can make the best decision for you and your family based on straight answers.

Visit my website at www.FosterHomeInfo.com to search the MLS.

Selling homes in Alpharetta - the role pricing plays

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:41:50 -0800

I am boxing up last years files and ran accross a listing appointment I went on in June. During my listing presentation the Seller said they were going to list with me once they did some work on the home. I was surprised when the next week their home was listed with a different agent. I called the seller and asked (very nicely) why they listed with that agent. They said he told them he could get them more money than I said I could get them. I asked them if he had different comps than me and the seller said no, but the other listing agent knew he could get more than the $410K to 415K I had told them I thought their home would sell for. They paid $477K for the home. The husband was starting work in Utah and the wife really wanted the home sold quickly but even with that they listed the home at a much higher price. I just looked up what the home sold for and it sold on 12/22 for $405K. If that seller had listed with me their home would have sold for a min. 5K more (if not 10K) and it would have sold much quicker.

When you sell a home the value of the home is not dependent on what you paid for it, what you are paying for your next home nor how much "you have to get out of it". Your home will sell for the market value and the market value goes down the longer the home sits on the market because it becomes a "stale" listing after sitting on the market. When selecting a Realtor to list your home do not select them based on what they think they can get you for your home. Select a professional agent that has comps to support their price, one that is honest, one that is an effective negotiator and one that knows your market.

If you are considering selling your home - call John Foster with Remax All Properties at 770 722-7010. I know the Alpharetta market. If you are facing foreclosure - call me - I am also a CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert) and can help you evaulate options available to you - including a short sale.

John Foster - Cumming's Short Sale Specialist - Stop Foreclosure

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:21:37 -0800

STOP Foreclosure - If you are upside down in your mortgage and feeling like a foreclosure is your only option, John Foster with Remax All properties. I am an CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert). I will be happy to review with you what options you have available - including doing a short sale. There are several benefits of doing a short sale verses foreclosure such as in some cases people that do short sale can purchase another home in as little as 2 years.

Call me and I will be happy to review the options you have a available. Call today because if you are already late the clock is ticking. Call John Foster at 770 722-7010 or visit www.FosterHomeInfo.com

John Foster with Remax All Properties is a Certified Distressed Property Expert and a Short Sale/Foreclosure resource and works Primarily in Cumming, Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Suwanee Ga. Call him today

Cumming Real Estate Update - Moving to Atlanta - read this report

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:14:17 -0800

I was just looking at real estate stats for 2011 for Cumming (all of Forsyth County) and noticed the following:

Homes closed in 2009 was 2098, homes closed in 2010 was 2209 (5% growth rate) and homes closed in 2011 were 2590 (for a 17% growth rate).

Next I looked at the number of distressed sale, these are foreclosures, short sales etc, that took place during these years and this is what I found. In 2009 21% of the closings were distressed, in 2010 25% of the sales were distressed and in 2011 33% of the sales were distressed. I think a lot of the increases relate to the FMLS starting to track short sales etc - but that gives you the breakdown for homes sold in Cumming.

I expect 2012 to be similar to 2011 in about 1/3 of all sales will be foreclosures and short sales. In some communities, like Chadbourne, only 15% of the homes sold were distressed. That is a large difference and just goes to show you how important location is when buying a home - I think Chadbourne being close to Windward parkway has helped homes sell and kept the percentage of distressed sales down.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate, or know someone who is, please email me at JohnFoster@remax.net or call me at 770 722-7010. I am always looking for Buyers and people that are trying to sell their home. Also, visit my website at www.FosterHomeInfo.com to search the MLS.

Office for Rent in Roswell - GREAT Rate

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:55:24 -0800

FOR RENT in Roswell - 2052 sq. ft. of office space located in Corporate Woods Office Park. This office space is offered at a great rate - a little over $7.00 per sq. ft. and offers drive up parking. With a two story reception area, this end unit has 3 additional offices upstairs with two bathrooms plus 4 offices downstairs plus a break room. If you are looking for space at a great rate call John Foster with Remax All Properties at 770 722-7010. See more color photos at www.FosterHomeInfo.com

ReaL Estate Report for Alpharetta

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:07:17 -0800

I am a firm believer that the real estate market is nothing more than supply and demand. When the demand for homes goes down because buyers can not get financing, then the the months supply of homes goes up because less people can purchase the homes on the market. I just checked the Alpharetta months supply of homes on the market at the end of January (primarily North Fulton areas 13 & 14) and the months supply of homes is at 6 months - around 5 - 6 months is considered a stable market. I think once the supply of homes stabilizes then we will start to get price appreciate instead of the price decreases. I also think a key element in the return of the real estate market is the unemployment rate - which decreased considerably in December. I think as long as the unemployment rate improves then consumer confidence will improve and then we will have more demand for homes - I still think we are 2-3 years away from getting back to a "normal" market -

If you need to buy or sell real estate, or know someone that does, please call me at 770 722-7010 - I am always looking for homes to sell and buyers to work with. Visit my website at www.FosterHomeInfo.com for more information.

Remax real estate report

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 17:26:52 -0700

Today, Case Shiller, who tracks real estate activity accross the USA, reported a second consecutive month of increase in prices for the 10- and 20-City Composites. I believe the Atlanta market will improve as the US market improves so I am glad to see this. For the Atlanta market to improve the #1 issue at this time is jobs - and getting the state and Atlanta's unemployment rate down. Once that happens consumer confidence will rise and people will buy homes.

That said, I am seeing pretty strong sales activity compared to last year right now. Yesterday I tried to set up showings for 10 homes in the 175-200K price range and 4 were under contract -

If you are considering buying a home and want an agent that will represent you - call me at 770 722-7010 - I know the Atlanta market. Also, please visit www.FosterHomeinfo.com for information on homes for Sale in Cumming Alpharetta and Suwanee.

Remax real estate market report - Cumming Real Estate

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:58:38 -0700

Here is a great quote from the Remax National market report, "Home sales activity appears to be coming back in line with the seasonal trends we would expect to see this time of year," said RE/MAX CEO Margaret Kelly."It's a very good sign that prices are starting to rise on a monthly basis. This may indicate that we've turned the corner and are headed in a positive direction."

I am seeing more real estate activity in Cumming, Suwanee and Alpahretta also. I have been showing a lot of homes in the last month so hopefully we have hit the bottom and are starting to come back up.

If you are considering buying a home and are interviewing agents for job of representing you - call me at 770 722-7010 - I would like to interview for the job or being your agent. To view homes that are for sale visit my website at www.FosterHomeInfo.com.

Atlanta homes for sale - sale a home in todays market

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Sun, 29 May 2011 21:34:27 -0700

Here are some thoughts on selling a home in todays market:

1. Realize most buyers are looking for great deals - I work with a lot of buyers and most want an outstanding price and in great condition. Even today the banks are replacing carpet and painting the foreclosures - even after doing that the bank is selling them at discounts. When you can see your home through your buyers eyes you have a much better chance at selling your home in this market.

2. Repair anything that is broken or paint anything that is worn. No a carpet allowance does not sell a home - if you have pets and question should the flooring be replaced - most of the time the answer is yes. Remember it is the feel of your home that sells your home.

3. Use an agent that puts your home infront of buyers eyes by using Realtor.com and Zillow - they are the #1 and #2 websites and is where people begin their house hunting. I use the Realtor.com enhanced system and the Zillow featured home listing - I make sure buyers are seeing your home.

4. Use great photos - photos get the home on the buyers radar - take a look at my photos on my website at www.FosterHomeInfo.com -

If you are selling a home in Alpharetta, Cumming or Suwanee or on Lake Lanier - call me. I will be happy to get your home sold in this market - call John Foster at 770 722-7010

Cumming Real Estate Market - Remax Market report for Cumming Ga

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Sun, 22 May 2011 16:28:45 -0700

Here are reasons I think homes sales will rise as the year continues:

1. Interest rates remain incredibly low.

2. The stock market continues to rise creating more of a feeling of wealth in Buyers

3. The rental market is strong and it is now cheaper to own that that rent by 34% (Per Fortune Magazine).

4. There are some great deals out there.

This past week two buyers went under contract paying 106K for a home and 112K for a home - both homes sold for in the 170's during the mid 2000s. I am amazed at the deals we found for these families. One is a foreclosure and the other is not.

If you want to discuss the Atlanta Real Estate Market and are interviewing agents for the job of helping you find your next home - please call me. I know the market and enjoying sharing my knowledge and experience with my clients. Visit my website at www.FosterHomeInfo.com - or call or text me at 770 722-7010. The best way to contact me is to text or call me.

John Foster with Re/max All Properties is an Associate Broker and knows the Atlanta Real Estate Market. He specializes in the Alpahretta, Cumming and Suwanee Real

Remax Real Estate Update - Cumming Ga

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Thu, 05 May 2011 16:01:29 -0700

As I look at the March stats a couple of items jump out at me about this market:

1. In Cumming Ga (Primarily Forsyth County) the Number of Detached Homes Sold in 2011 was 27% more than in March 2010 - this follows a 23% increase in February 2011 compared to 2010. 37% of the March 2011 closes were either Foreclosures, Short sales or distressed in some manner.

2. The inventory at the end of March 2011 was down 13% compared to March of 2010. Real Estate is just supply and demand and as the supply of homes goes down if we get any increase in buyer there could be a good squeeze and the value of home could increase.

Maybe I am looking through rose tented glaseses but once we get the supply corrected. Once the foreclosure percentage comes down the market will come back quickly.

If you are planning on buying a home in Atlanta and want an agent that knows the market and will work hard for you - call me (John Foster) at 770 722-7010. I want to interview for the job of being your agent.

Fortune magazine's cover says it all

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 09:43:34 -0700

The cover of Fortune magazine's cover says it all -"Time to Buy Again". It discuss in most markets is now cheaper to own that to rent, and says it is 34% cheper to own than to rent in the Atlanta market.

If you have been considering buying a home - now is a great time. Home prices have come down, interest rates are low all of which makes homes more affordable. Call John Foster with Remax All Properties at 770 722-7010 if you are considering buying a home. I know the market and will help you take advantage of this Buyers market.

Cumming Real Estate Market

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 14:55:13 -0700

Here is my observation about the Cumming Real Estate Market based on todays showings. This week my buyer emailed me 12 homes she wanted to see this weekend. For Saturday showings I call on Friday to make the appointments - out of the 12 homes 5 went under contract and 1 was taken off the market (Seller filed for Bankruptcy). These are homes priced at 200K and below.

The market in this price range and in Cumming is pretty strong - homes that are priced right and in good condition will sell. If you have a home to sell in Cumming and are interviewing agents for the job of selling your home - call me at 770 722-7010 - I would like to interview for the job of selling your home.

Also, visit my website at www.FosterHomeInfo.com to get all types of information on buying and selling homes.

Leaderboard Photo

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:05:53 -0700

Can anyone let me know what I need to do to get my photo on the AR leaderboard? I am in 3rd place in my county and have a photo for my blog, but can not figure out how to get a photo up on the leaderboard.

Thanks in advance for your help.

John Foster, Associate Broker

Re/max Greater Atlanta

Office space for Lease in Roswell Ga

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:59:16 -0700

Located just off HWY 9 (Atlanta HWY) and Elkins Rd in Roswell is Corporate Woods office complex. This 2 story office Condo has approximately 2,052 sq. ft. for lease for just $1,250 per month. This is an outstanding value so call John Foster with Re/max Greater Atlanta at 770 722-7010 or visit my website at www.FosterHomeInfo.com to see more color photos.

End unit with Drive up to the front door parking. If you need to rent office space in Roswell - make sure you look at this space. Visit www.FosterHomeInfo.com for more information.

First Time home buyers in Atlanta

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 14:52:13 -0700

In 2010 I helped several first time home buyers puchase homes in Alpharetta, Cumming and Buford. In fact, in 2010 the National Association of Realtors reported approximately 50% of all homes sales were to first time home buyers. According to RIS media this is what First Time Home Buyers are looking for a in home:

67% said the market afforded them the opportunity to buy a home sooner than expected
Half said they found a home in a more desirable neighborhood than expected
61% were able to get the home at a better price than expected
40% got more space than expected
43% locked in a lower interest rate than expected

Today is a great time to buy a home - affordability is high and interest rates are low. If you are considering buying a home please call John Foster with Remax Greater Atlanta - I would like to help you find and purchase your next home and you will see why people call me year after year to work with them. Visit my website at wwww.FosterHomeInfo.com to search the MLS for homes for sale in Atlanta, Cumming, Alpharetta, Suwanee and Buford - or call me at 770 722-7010. If you are moving to Atlanta call me.

Atlanta real estate market - thoughts for North Atlanta Real Estate

John Foster (RE/MAX All Properties) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:47:43 -0800

On 2/27/11 the Wall Street journal posted and article calle "Why 2011 May Be the End of the Housing Crash". Simon Constable wrote the article and explained how rising affordability of housing will be a key to a turnaround. Here are some quotes I really liked from the article: "Housing is the most affordable it has been in decades". "Pricing is down so much in some markets that when you analyze renting versus owning it makes much more sense to own". "Home prices may be approaching their post-crash bottom" "Another sign the market is nearing a bottom: Investors have started to buy up houses and condos, in some instances paying entirely in cash". I had a closing today where an investor paid cash for a home and got a great day.

I believe we are at the bottom of the cycle - and we will probablly bounce along the bottom for the next year as the foreclosures/short sales are absorbed and as the job market improves. One thing I belive is people will make money in the real estate market. I would love to get your thoughts on the quotes from above.

If you are considering buying a home in Alpharetta or Cumming or Suwanee - call John Foster with Re/max Greater Atlanta today at 770 722-7010.