North Atlanta Real Estate Blog- RE/MAX Greater Atlanta

Atlanta Residential Real Estate Report compared to national average

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:59:52 -0500

Today the reports from our MLS show a difference between what happened in the Atlanta Market vs. what happened nationally for September.

By Tim Paradis, AP Business Writer reported that nationally home sales jumped 9.4% and was the highest level in two years. Locally, the metro Atlanta area MLS reports that for single family detached homes the September number declined 18% compared to 09/08 - that is a pretty big difference.

What causes the difference - I do think that all the rain/flooding had contributed to it - but I was still out showing homes. I also think buyers are still thinking there could be better deals out there. Also, with the floods one of my closings was delayed because the mortgage company wanted the appraiser to go back to the property to verify it was not damaged - I do not know how common those delays were but it will work through the system by the end of October.

What I have seen is that homes that are priced right, in good condition are selling - buyers are very choosy right now. This past weekend a home that was priced at $350K was decreased to $337K on Friday - on Tuesday when we submited an offer it has received 4 offers the day before. It seems like the homes my buyers are attacking multiple offers.

Real estate truly comes down to supply and demand, inventory levels are coming down - in fact at the end of September we were at the same level as January 2006 - what I have noticed is there are a lot of homes on the market but not a lot of homes in "selling shape" - those that are go quickly.

If you are moving to Atlanta and are interviewing real estate agents for the job of helping you find your home - call me at 770 722-7010 - I would love to tell you why you should use me as your agent.

Remax Alpharetta Real Estate Report - Pricing of homes in North Fulton

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:08:31 -0500

Last week I read in the Atlanta Journal that nationwide 83% of the homes sold were priced at $250K and below, while 50% of the homes sold were priced at $125K and below. The effects of the first time home buyers tax credits effect has been incredible.

In North Fulton (Primarily Alpharetta and Roswell) County Ga I have helped many people purchase homes, and the number of first time home buyers in Alpharetta & Roswell Ga is different than the National Average.

Approximately 30% of the homes sole from January to August 2009 were priced at $250K and below while 48% of the homes sales during that time period were priced from $250K to 500K (according to data from FMLS areas 13 & 14). A total of just under 78% of the homes sold were priced at $500 K and below with approximately 15% priced from $500 to $750K.

North Fulton to home to some of the best schools in the State including Chattahoochee High School, Milton High School and Alpharetta High School.

Are you considering selling a home, or buying a home in Alpharetta or Roswell - call John Foster and I can help you understand why this data is important in helping you get your home sold. Call John Foster with Re/max Greater Atlanta at 770 722-7010.

Remax Cumming Real Estate Report - Pricing of homes in Forsyth County

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:00:06 -0500

In Forsyth county Ga I have helped many people purchase homes, and the number of first time home buyers in Cumming Ga is different than the National Average.

Approximately 47% of the homes sole from January to August 2009 were priced at $250K and below while 42% of the homes sales during that time period were priced from $250K to 500K (according to data from FMLS). A total of just under 90% of the homes sold were priced at $500 K and below.

Are you considering selling a home in Cumming - call John Foster and I can help you understand why this data is important in helping you get your home sold. Call John Foster with Re/max Greater Atlanta at 770 722-7010.

Notes from Johnny Isakson's talk today

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:08:41 -0500

Today I attended a talk that was given by Ga's Senator Johnny Isakson - he spent 33 years selling real estate in North Atlanta and knows this business. Here are some of the items he discussed that I really liked:

1. He felt the market is similar to 1972-1974 - when there was a 3 year supply of inventory on the market. The congress implemented a $2000 tax credit and one year later the supply of homes on the market was around 8 months.

2. The 8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers expires November 30 and he feels the issue in todays market is there is not a move up buyer - so the requirement to be a first time home buyer should be dropped, as well as the income limits.

3. The move up buyer has disappeared (very true) and if you get a move up buyer you get two sales (one sale and one purchase). Additionally, move up buyers create a domino effect. The example he gave was when a person who works for NCR sales his home in Dayton he buys a home in Atlanta and that person goes to Sacramento and buys a home... If that person in Dayton can not sale their home none of that happens.

4. The congress felt his $15,000 per year would cost to much at a cost of 34 billion so it was not passed. Right now they have spent 5.8 trillion on the issue - amazing point.

5. Last point I will talk about he said was the cash for clunkers - where the goverment takes money from its citizens to turn in an old care instead of taking money from its citizens and using that to make an investment in a home - a car is a depreciating asset while a house historically has not been.

He obviously knows the real estate market and I was very impressed with his thoughts.

If you would like additional information on the real estate market in North Atlanta, such as Dunwoody, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Cumming and Duluth ( Free In Depth Current Market Analysis Of Your Home), contact John Foster with Remax Greater Atlanta at 770 722-7010 or call my pager at 770 238-0589. Full Real Estate Services including Seller and Buyer Representation, Short Sales, Foreclosures and Real Estate Consultation.

Facing Foreclosure in Alpharetta - You have options

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:11:01 -0500

If you are facing foreclosure in Cumming, Alpharetta, Suwanee, Johns Creek, Duluth or anywhere in North Atlanta - realize you have options.

First, realize a bank does not want to foreclose on your home. In a foreclosure a banks loses money from the minute a person stops paying on their mortgage. So a bank would prefer to assist you in selling your home through a short sale.

What is a short sale? It is when the fair market value in a home is not enough to pay off the mortgage and other liens on the home (including the Realtors). The Seller has a process they have to go through to see if they qualify for a short sale and if they do list the home with an agent (hopefully me) that has experience w/ short sales and gets the home sold.

The benefit to the Seller is it provides an orderly way to sale their home and it keeps the foreclosure off their credit score (which could keep them from buying a home for 7 years). With a short sale on a credit report - some people could purchase a home in as little as two years. From the banks perspective it does not have to incur the costs of foreclosure and the subdivision wins because there is not a vacant home in the community.

A short sale is not easy to work out but is much better for a seller and the bank than foreclosure. If you are facing foreclosure and want to discuss your options including a short sale, call John Foster with Remax Greater Atlanta at 770 722-7010.

Buying a Home in Alpharetta - Cumming Real Estate Report

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 09:40:11 -0500

This is an update on the Real Estate market in Suwanee, Alpharetta and Cumming from an agents perspective that lives & works the Real Estate market in Cumming, Alpharetta and Suwanee.

The past month there has been several positive reports about the real estate market and I think the media will begin to drive people that are sitting on the fence trying to decide if they want to buy a home or wait and see what happens. This past week has been amazing.

On Friday I wrote an offer on a steal of a deal in Cumming - my buyer just said write a full price offer which I did. Saturday, as I drove to my first appointment I received a call that my listing in Olde Atlanta Club, in Suwanee, was receiving an offer. After I showed my first home Saturday morning my buyer decided on Saturday to write an offer on that home. Then the couple in from Co. during the week decided to write an offer on one of the homes I showed them earlier in the week.

By the end of Saturday I had written 4 offers for Buyers and received one for one of my listings. That is a day that was reminds me of 2005 - 2 of the offers written were on short sales and the homes are priced very well - we will see if the bank accepts them. One was a foreclosure that was priced at $240K and is now priced at $199K - that is a multiple offer situation. Two a straight retail offers - one home was originally priced at $440K in Alpharetta and the owner decreased the asking price to $369K - that one went under contract yesterday.

I am not sure if the pick up was due to school starting back, possibly a dip in the interest rates or the fact inventory levels are coming down or the fact prices on homes are at amazing levels - as I think about it I think all of these contributed to it.

If you are considering purchasing a home in Suwanee, Cumming, Alpharetta or North Atlanta - I would like to interview for the job of helping you find you next home. Feel free to call me at 770 722-7010 or email me at JohnFoster@remax.net.

Alpharetta Real Estate market is getting stronger

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:23:18 -0500

I just called to see if I can show a home tomorrow in the Tuxford Subdivision in Alpharetta only to find out it just went under contract - it looked like a great home. This has caused me to reflect on several homes in the past week that either I have written offers on or tried to show that also have gone under contract. For Example:

7555 Golden Sands in Forstyth County - last week my buyer made an offer and the home received multiple offers - we are awaiting banks decision
5614 Brendlynn Dr in Suwanee (Gwinnett County) - in the Bears Best Subdivision - listed on a Thursday, they had 9 offers when my buyer submitted his offer - was not the winning offer
290 Autumn Wood Lane in Roswell - Steeple Chase Subdivision) - when looking at the home there were 4-5 agents showing the home - my buyer did not submit an offer but it went under contract after being on the market only 5 days.
152 Dockside Downs in Woodstock - went under contract in 5 days once they decreased the price - my buyer wanted to see this one but it went under contrac the day I tried to set the appointment.
105 Windlam Ct in Estates at Wellington, Alpharetta homes for sale- is another my buyer found and it went under contract quickly.

As I show real estate in Alpharetta, Cumming, Suwanee and Woodstock- I set appointments the night before. Now I hold my breath when I ask if their home is under contract because I am getting a lot more yes answer than I used to. From my level - it looks like the market is picking up. It could be due to school just starting or the fact the economy is starting to get stronger. I think as the economy gets stronger and buyers have more confidence in their jobs we will see the inventory levels come down quickly.

The reason these homes all went under contract is because their sellers were motivated and priced their homes according to the market and their condition. Homes in good shape and priced right will sell in Cumming, Alpharetta and in North Atlanta.

If you are plan to interview agents for the job of helping you purchase your next home, or sale a home, please contract me at JohnFoster@remax.netor call me at 770 722-7010. I am John Foster with Remax Greater Atlanta and am always looking for people that need to buy or sale property.

First Time Home Buyer in Alpharetta, Cumming or Roswell

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:52:02 -0500

If you are a first time home buyer, or know someone that is considering buying a home and they have not owned a home for the past 3 years, remember that the $8,000 federal tax credit expires on 11/30/09. We still have time but find homes and get them closed but do not let that date sneak up on you.

If you know a first time home buyer that may want or need information on the details of the tax credit, please have them contact me. The past year I have work a lot with first time home buyers in Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Cumming and Norcross - we have found some great deals.

A recent deal that a first time home buyer in Cumming found was a home they purchased for $184K, it was new construction and immaculate, that originally was priced at $240K. Another first time home buyer in Lawrenceville paid $106K for the home, the seller paid 8K in the Buyers closing costs and the home appraised for $148K. This home needed some cosmetic work but what at deal.

If you or someone one you is considering buying or selling a home, please remember that I am always looking for buyers and sellers to represent. Feel free to pass along my name or email me their contact information and I will call them.

Visit my website at www.FosterHomeInfo.comto find out more information about real estate for sale in Alpharetta, Cumming and Suwanee. If you are looking for great real estate deals in Lawrenceville or Duluth, let me know because I have seen some great deals this past couple of weeks.

FHA Anti-Flipping Policy still in effect?

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 07:47:18 -0500

I have a buyer that wants to buy a home that was sold on the court house steps about 8 weeks ago - I have read where the FHA Anti-flipping policy is no longer in effect and in other places that it is still in affect - any mortgage brokers thoughts would be apprecaited.

Cumming Real Estate Update by John Foster, Remax Greater Atlanta

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:46:56 -0500

One way to judge how the market is performing is to look at the number of homes under contract at the end of the month in relation to the inventory levels - the higher the percentage the quicker the inventory is turning over. The chart below shows Cumming (areas 221,222,& 223 in the FMLS) or Forsyth County Ga.

In 2007 you will see between 15-18% of the homes were under contract for the first half of the year, then the second half of the year it drops to 8% - that was the beginning of the real estate issues. In 2008 we see a range of 7% to 12%, but each lower than the prior year. The good news is in April the pending homes % was higher than the year before and has stayed higher since that time. That shows the market is strengthening from a resale standpoint.

From the buyers point of view - remember real estate is all supply and demand. When supply exceed demand the prices go down. When demand exceeds supply prices go up. In todays market the low interest rates and the tax incentives are causing the inventory to come off the market and we are seeing more strength and this charts reflects that.

If you are interested in knowing how a certain neighborhood is performing, such as Three Chimneys or Windermere or Chadbourne, or any other subdivision in Cumming Ga - let me know and I am happy to share you with the stats on specific communities.

If you want to buy a home in Cumming, or are interested in discuss Cumming Real Estate - email me at johnfoster@remax.net or call me at 770 722-7010 - I would love to interview for the job of helping you find your next home.

How do you incorporate charts into blogs

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:54:51 -0500

I really like posting blogs on Active rain and would like to include charts and stats from excel - does anyone know how to include charts into the active rain blogs?

Thanks for you help.

Suwanee Home for Sale - A great time to buy a home in Suwannee

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:41:52 -0500

I just recently had a talk with a Seller and he decided to decrease the price of his home in Suwanee Ga, located in Olde Atlanta Club, to $409,900. This is a spacious home on a cul-de-sac lot, with a 3 car side entry garage with a new roof, new appliances, newly remodeled master bath with marble counter tops, new fixtures - simple stunning.

This home boasts a master on the main, two stair cases, keepting room, two story living room that is stunning and a great lot.

Are you looking for a home in Suwanee to purchase, or just interest in Real Estate in Suwanee - call John Foster at 770 722-7010 - I would love to help you find you next home.

Alpharetta & Cumming Real Estate Status

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:39:00 -0500

The A/P reported today that the Pending Homes Sales index increased for the 5th consecutive month - this is a very good sign on a national level. The last time the index increased for 5 consecutive months was in 2003. Now I will talk about what I see as an agent as I show homes for sale in Alpharetta, Cumming and Suwanee Ga.

This past weekend I had 3 buyer groups in town, one from Co (home is under contract in Co- good sign), one from Mo. and one is a local move - currently renting.

Three times on Saturday as I approached homes to show them we had to wait because other agents were in the house - I have not had that happen in a very long time (it maybe a couple years). On Friday one of my buyers decided to make an offer on a home we saw in Wednesday but when I called on Friday the home went under contract. Another buyer saw a home on Sunday and wanted to see it again this weekend but it went under contract this week also. From my level the market seems to be improving. It may be that school starts next week but whatever the reason there is more activity.

A coulple other items on a very local level are the following:

The number of homes in Alpharetta under contract for May and June of 2009 is higher than May and June of 2008. That is a sign I hope shows we have bottomed out and are starting to go up.

The number of homes in Cumming under contract in June of 2009 just crossed over the June 2008 number - again a very positive sign.

What does this mean to me - I think there are a lot of people that would like to move but do not because they can not sale their home for what they owe on it. Real estate is nothing more than Supply vs. Demand and as the supply of homes decrease then the prices of homes will stablize and increase. At the end of June the number of homes for sale in Alpharetta and Cumming is lower in 2009 than in 2008 - the market is moving in the right direction. Once the buyers that are sitting on the fence start to see home prices increase I think the buyers will become more motivated and start buying more homes.

If you are considering buying or selling a home, or know someone that is considering moving, please call me at 770 722-7010 - I work with both buyers and sellers and know the market. Visit my website at www.FosterHomeInfo.com for more information.

Alpharertta Real Estate Report and Cumming Real Estate report is prepared by John Foster with Remax Greater Atlanta -

Cumming Real Estate Update

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 22:17:02 -0500

Today I showed 15 homes to 3 separate buyers - on top of that I had four sign calls - today was a very good day. The national Association of Realtors reported this week that we had a 3 month in a row of increased sales activity & increases in the average sales prices and I am thinking that is bringing some of the buyers back out.

Of the 15 homes I showed 7 were vacant - that number is lower than it has been - and the number of foreclosures and short sales were down to 3 - that is a big drop off.

The Cumming & Alpharetta real estate seems to be heading up - why do I say that - in the metro Atlanta Real Estate market, and the Cumming real estate market as well as the Alpharetta real estate market, will lead Atlanta's rebound (in my opinion). Why do I say that - well here are some stats I use to judge the market:

Homes Under Contract - June 2008 - 7,248 compared to June 2009 8,001 - that is a great sign - year over year improvement. That said the weakness in the economy is still a big concern.

In Alpharetta (areas 13 & 14 in the FMLS) - Homes under contract 06/08 - 299 compared to 06/09 349

In Cumming (areas 221 & 222 in the FMLS) - Homes under contract 06/08 - 259 compared to 06/09 261

Looks like Alpharetta's homes under contract have increased considerably while Cummings has increased just a little - both are stats I am excited about.

If you want to buy a home in Alpharetta or Cumming - please call me - it is a great time to buy. Visit my website at www.FosterHomeInfo.com or call me at 770 722-7010.

South Forsyth High School in Newsweeks top 400 High Schools

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 22:47:48 -0500

For the forth year in a row South Forsyth High School has been included in Newsweeks top 1500 Top of the Class - The list of America's Top Public schools. In 2009 South Forsyth High School ranked 337 - here are the prior years rankings:

2009 337

2008 371

2007 328

Many great communities feed students into South Forsyth High School such as Creekstone Estates, Windermere, Longlake and Chattachoochee River club. Some communities like Laurel Springs, Olde Atlanta Club, Glenmoor, Bridle Ridge and Three Chimneys went to South Forsyth High last year, but will attend the new Lambert High School next year. If you would like buy a house in South Forsyth or in the Lambert High School district, call me at 770 722-7010. I live in that area and feel it is a great area to live. Call me at 770 722-7010 or visit my website at www.FosterHomeInfo.com.

To see the Newsweek report see http://www.newsweek.com/id/201160/?q=2009/rank/1

One Reason I love living in Cumming Ga

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:46:49 -0500

In Cumming there are lots of things to do - particularly if you like being outdoors. Today, I went to my garden and picked 19 tomatoes, 4 squash, about 20 okra, one bell pepper and two zucinni (both were to large so I had to put them in the compost) - this time of the year when we get rain I really like having fresh vegetable in the home. The tomatoes at dinner time are amazing and having a bell pepper fresh off the bush and into an omelet is a great taste.

As an agent, I also really like giving away fresh vegetables to friends and clients - it is amazing to see how they appreciate them. A couple of years ago I gave away fresh figs as a closing gift to a client - now I get an email towards the end of summer to find out if we had a good fig year or not.

I would love to hear about what else you grow. If you would like a home in order to have a garden in the Atlanta area - call me. I have a garden and know what to look for. Visit my website a www.FosterHomeInfo.com.

Here are some neighborhoods where I have seen beautiful gardens:

Creekstone Estates Homes For Sale, Longlake Homes for Sale, Three Chimmeys Homes for Sale and Windermere Homes for sale, and Chadbourne Homes for sale.

One item that any buyer needs to be concerned with is covenants from the HOA - each community I listed above has covenants but I am not aware of anyone running into trouble with them due to a garden - just keep them small and pretty.

Cumming Open house - Stunning home w/ Full daylight basement

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:45:54 -0500

An open house is being held this Sunday 7/12/09 from 2:00 to 4:30 in Cumming Ga. This is a beautiful home priced at $309,900 - this home's price has been decrease $50K so you know this Seller is motivate.

This home was built in 2004 and is immaculate - the kitchen is stunning with it beautiful Cherry cabinets, granite counter tops and hardwood floors - visit www.FosterHomeInfo.com to the see the color photos and the virtual tour. The open house will be held at 910 Mill Garden Place, Cumming Ga 30040 - this is a home for sale in Sienna and is a great price.

For questions or directions call John Foster Remax Greater Atlanta at 770 722-7010. Are you looking for an agent to help you find your next home? If so stop by and interview me at this open house - I would like to tell you why you should have an agent represent your interests when you buy a home.

Office space for rent in Roswell Ga Corporate Woods office Space for Lease

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:44:38 -0500

Are you looking for a great value for Office Space for Rent in Roswell - this space is for rent and offers lots of room. With 8 offices plus a break room and 3 bathrooms for rent for only $1,500 per month. This office condo has beautiful hardwoods, new paint and new carpet.

Total office space for rent is 2,052 sq. ft & is located just off HWY 9. Each office has a window except one and there is lots of available parking. To view this office space for lease, or any other space that is for lease, call John Foster with Remax Greater Atlanta.

How to sell homes in this market

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:42:55 -0500

Today I showed 9 homes today - out of those 9 homes 6 were vacant. Vacant homes do not show as well as homes that have a correct amount of furniture and are staged correctly. Today it was hot - the high was supposed to be in the high 90s and of the 6 homes that were vacant 4 had not power and I was amazed at how hot those homes were. The last house we went to was a very nice house and as we entered the A/C was very welcome. Question - which home was my buyers favorite today. Pretty obvious - it was the home that was staged and pleasant to enter w/ the A/C. It reminded me of the last time I bought a car - we looked in the summer and each car's a/c was turned up to the max when we turned it on.

What do you think as you show a vacant home vs. one that has power and is staged?

If you are considering selling your home in Cumming, Alpharetta or Suwanee - call me - I would like to interview for the job of helping you sell your home.

Visist my website at www.FosterHomeInfo.com to see the virtual tours of homes I currently have listed, as some I sold in the past. List with me and I will explain why I pay for each virtual tour.

Doing business with John Foster - comments from a client I worked with last month

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:23:20 -0500

Today I received an email from a client I worked that closed on a beautiful home in McGinnis Reserve two weeks ago - about two weeks before that we closed on their home in Creekside Estates in Forsyth County. I must say when I received this it made me feel very good - today's market is still a tough market - but there are people still out there buying and selling homes. Here is what Kevin emailed me.

"John,

We have had a busy week, all the box's are emptied, everything is put up and was just the weekend. We will finish hanging the last pictures tonight. But that's not what this email is for. Donna and I want to again thank you for all your time, effort and hard work. Your attention to detail and keeping us on track with reality checks made this the best move we have had. You are in every sense of the word a professional, you took our phone calls and allowed us to take you away from your family after hours and on weekends for that I can only offer words of thanks, but those words come with the utmost sincerity.

Although we are at the end of our project, your work and professionalism will carry on with us, we will, without hesitation give your name and number to all we meet who are looking for a home. Again I can't thank you enough for helping us get home

Thanks

Kevin Opela"

Kevin and Donna's home sold in 42 days, we listed it at 439K and it sold for 430 K (all of this is public knowledge). Why did there home sale while others sit on the market? The reason is Kevin and Donna realized they were engaged in a price war and a beauty contest - additionally, they realized however much their house declined in value over the past year they would pick that up when they purchased their next home, and they did. That was a great transaction and I appreciated Donna referring a co-worker to me.

If you are interviewing agents for the job of helping you sell your home, or find you next one, call me - I would like to interview for the job of being your Realtor.

South Fosyth High School

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:01:08 -0500

In todays Forstyh County News it is reported that South Forsyth High School was ranked by Newsweek Magazine, to be ranked the 11th best High school in the state and 327th in the Nation. The schools are ranked based on the Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or Cambridge test taken by the graduating Seniors. The Principal recognized that the students worked very hard and the teachers at not only the High School but the middle schools and the elementary schools make the school what it is.

Just a couple of days ago I read where the Forsyth County elementary schools, such as Daves Creek, Big Creek, Sharon and other were ranked in the top 10 in the state in every area of the CRCT.

The Forsyth County school system is an outstanding school system.

If you are considering moving in the near future and are interviewing real estate agents, I would like to apply for the job of helping you move. Call me at 770 722-7010.

Great places to eat in North Atlanta

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:30:44 -0500

As a real estate agent that services Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Cumming and Suwanee Ga, I am often asked for good places to eat. Today I found a new place that I plan on returning to often.

For lunch today I ate as Sushi City located at 5805 State Bridge Rd, Duluth Ga. It was amazing. For $10 it was an all you can eat Sushi buffet that I highly recommend. For lunch $10 is a lot, but for the amount of Sushi it was amazing. There was a whole line of Sushi and as I kept eating unagi they kept bringing more out.

I would love to hear about restaurants you like as well as the ones to avoid - that way when people move into the area I can have several to recommend.

If you need a real estate agent that for Alpharetta, Cumming Suwanne or Johns Creek - please call me at 770 722-7010.

Open house in Cumming Ga

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 14:14:24 -0500

There is an open house in Cumming on Sunday 6/14/09 from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. Stop by to see this beautiful home priced at 324,900 - tens of thousands below the Sellers purchase price. This is a great time to buy a home - with low interest rates making homes more affordable and lots of supply driving home the prices of homes - this is an amazing time to buy and this is a great home.

Lots of upgrades including beautiful granite counter tops, family room w/ 2 story wall of window and a cozy fireplace, a bedroom on the main level plus an amazing master suite, with a sitting room huge master bathroom, deep trey ceiling, large daylight basement and a fenced backyard - stop by I would like to talk to you about the home buying process.

If you can not make the open house and want to look at homes for sale in Cumming or homes for sale in Alpharetta - call me and I am happy to help you find the home you are looking for. I love showing homes.

Call John Foster at 770 722-7010 to see homes for sale in Cumming Ga or homes for sale in Alpharetta Ga. Open house in Cumming Ga, Cumming open houses, Remax Open houses today, John Foster with Remax Greater Atlanta, Cumming Remax agents

An interesting Listing Appointment

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:22:25 -0500

This past week I had a great listing appointment - one I am sure is not common in this business. I received a call from someone wanting to sell their home because they are moving to Fl. Great, I prepared the Market Analysis and toured their home and presented my marketing plan and then we spent about 45 minutes discussing comps in her neighborhood. She was so upset at the recent sales in her neighborhood and at the prices the homes were currently listed at she asked if she could look at the one that was priced the lowest in her neighborhood - she ended up making an offer on that home and it went under contract today. She just could not believe how the home values had gone down and based on the recent rentals in her neighborhood she should be very close to breaking even when she rents it.

If you are moving to the Atlanta area - when you intereview agents to become your realtor I would like to apply for that job - please call me at 770 722-7010 to make an appointment.

Rent vs. Buying - which is the better option

John Foster (RE/MAX Greater Atlanta) — Sun, 31 May 2009 14:13:47 -0500

I was sitting at a closing last week with a first time home buyer that has rented a home for many years - now they are so excited to be moving into their new home. They received the $8,000 tax credit from the Federal Government, plus the 1,800 ga tax credit (over 3 years offered by Ga.) - coupled with an interest rate of under 5% is simply amazing - as a real estate agent I have bloged many times about how this is a great time to buy.

What I was not prepared for was the answer to this question - What were you paying for rent compared to your new payment. Their rent payment was $875 per month and their house payment was $740 per month (plus $40 per month for the HOA). their house payment was over $100 a month less, they will now be able to deduct the interest on their mortgage and their property taxes so their after tax cost of housing just went way down - and to top the deal off their home appraised for $40K more than they paid for it.

How did they find this great deal - it starts with working with an Agent you trust and can communicate with. It also requires being patient and not being confined to a certain area. My system worked perfectly for this couple. If you are considering buying a home and are intereviewing agents to help you find your next home - I ask you to consider me, John Foster with Re/max Greater Atlanta - call me at 770 722-7010 or visit my website at www.Fosterhomeinfo.com