1st time buyer: Luck takes preparation…to capture Lightning in a Bottle - 08/10/11 09:51 AM


Over the years I’ve conducted hundreds of consultations for buyers & sellers.  Once in a long while you have those “lightning in a bottle” situations where you’re so excited for your clients (and maybe a little envious because you’d love to trade places).  I’ve worked with roughly 10 families in the last 3 years from the same church group (and I’m not even a member of their church) & thankfully, yet again they were referring me to another young couple looking to purchase their 1st home.
We discussed the unique circumstance, challenges, and procedures for how we’d approach finding … (0 comments)

1st time buyer: When Losing Is The Best Idea - 10/14/10 05:10 AM
In December I helped a group of investors acquire a property in East Atlanta - a modest 3/1 that could be easily converted to a 2/2 without needing to do an expansion.  They have a substantial background in contractor work but not in flipping, so this was a different approach.The goal was to have the project renovated by Mid-March/Early April in plenty of time for the home-buyer tax credit.  Unfortunately, other components outside of this project delayed the timeline substantially was slowed.  The project was slated to be sold just above or below 200k as other recent comp's supported that value … (2 comments)

1st time buyer: Federal Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended & Now Expanded to Assist Move-up Buyers too - 11/06/09 06:02 AM
For all those 1st time homebuyers who had trouble finding "the one" in time for the tax credit, you now have a few more months to contact me and we'll ensure you get a great deal and a quick return from Uncle Sam.Congress has extended and expanded the homebuyer tax credit. It has passed by both the House & Senate and will be signed off by President Obama in the next few days.  The modifications will become effective when President Obama signs the bill. All changes made to the current credit become effective on that date, as well.
December 1 - April 30, 2010 … (1 comments)

1st time buyer: Builder Close Out - Unofficial short sale - great deal for my Buyers! - 08/05/09 11:09 AM

 
Last week my 1st Time Home-Buyer Clients closed on their "Dream Home".  They wanted "shiny & new" with all of the modern conveniences at a rock bottom price.
After months of discussions, data analysis, explanations, etc. about how big of a risk it is to buy new construction in Atlanta in 2009 from Builders with unfinished developments & massive standing inventory, they finally found the ideal situation in which I'd give my professional blessing for them to move forward & know that they were in the best financial situation within the development.  We were looking for true Builder Closeouts. 
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1st time buyer: Metro Atlanta Market Insight - 1st qtr # analysis, Federal & Georgia Tax Credits, Buyer Benefits, Seller Challenges - 05/20/09 05:32 AM
In the Metro Atlanta Area the economic stimulus of the $8,000 tax credit to first time homebuyers is showing signs of positively impacting the market. The additional $1,800 max or 1.2% of sales price state tax credit signed into law last week by Governor Purdue will be applied to ALL home buyers - NOT JUST 1st Time Homebuyers, but it only last for the next 6 months and to properties that were on the market at the time of the bill being signed into law.  First time homebuyers typically fall below the $250,000 threshold on their purchases.  In the Atlanta market, … (0 comments)

1st time buyer: East Atlanta - Ridiculously Incredible Value - 3/2 Corner Lot for $269.9K Walking Distance to East Atlanta Village - 03/26/09 10:20 AM
This opportunity will not last long. It's been on the market for less than 2 weeks with more than 10 showings - this is an opportunity that must be seized! … (0 comments)

1st time buyer: 183 Clifton - Kirkwood Craftsman Bungalow - 3/2 for under $250K!!!! Intown Atlanta Living - 03/26/09 10:11 AM
This is an incredible opportunity to get into one the most convenient & well-positioned neighborhoods in Atlanta still possible for 1st time Homebuyers. … (0 comments)

1st time buyer: East Atlanta Craftsman Bungalow! 1421 McPherson 3/2 on Double Lot for $279,900 - 03/10/09 07:36 AM
TAKE A LOOK AT THIS AMAZING CRAFTSMAN BUNGALOW IN EAST ATLANTA VILLAGE! 

 
1421 McPherson is a fully renovated down to the studs 3/2 spacious bungalow with new 200 amp electrical service & wiring throughout, new plumbing throughout and to the street, and completely new HVAC system of duct work, furnace  & condenser, and features a Tankless water heater
The home has a large front porch along with an oversized private back party deck within the fully fenced-in backyard oasis
The master suite features walk-in his & her closets
It also has tiled baths, new hardwood floors throughout, granite countertops, … (0 comments)

1st time buyer: First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - 02/20/09 04:28 AM
 
There has been a lot of discussion about the housing market on Capitol Hill for some time now and President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act earlier this week.  I wanted to ensure you, as well as anyone you know who may need to understand this piece of legislation, are aware of some of the important details about the Homebuyer Tax Credit.  
There is no doubt that anyone capable of qualifying to be a 1st time homebuyer will receive unparalleled benefits that our country has not seen.  The amount of inventory, low sales prices, low interest … (3 comments)

1st time buyer: 2009 - Year of the Bull! --- I'm thinking 2009 - Year of the Buyer! - 02/05/09 08:00 AM
Mike’s Corner
The last few weeks have been eventful and historic for our country as well as the Atlanta real estate market. The Bailout is being debated on Capitol Hill, including a bill proposed by Ga. Senator Johnny Isakson that includes a $15,000 tax break to anyone who buys a house in 2009, which was unanimously approved on Wednesday.
Atlanta is experiencing a number of changes, as signs of the times, with a new development in the Heart of the City about to be part of a liquidation auction sale (The Element across from Atlantic Station- call me for more details … (3 comments)

1st time buyer: Spring Market is Here! - or at least right around the corner :=) - 02/04/09 08:37 AM
I know, it's 37 degrees outside & people are questioning if they are in Atlanta or Alaska, but I promise the Spring Market is here! - well, at least it's beginning to come out of the winter slumber.
Atlanta basically has 1 month of "winter". Yes, it's "cold" by Southern standards from Thanksgiving to Valentine's Day, but you can tell Spring is here as we begin to see a dramatic increase in builders pushing to have their renovations ready, home owners calling to evaluate selling their home & asking for listing presentations, and of course an increase in inquiries from people … (0 comments)

1st time buyer: How Much Will This Cost Me? - A Buyer's Guid to Out of Pocket Expenses, Pre-paids, & Closing Costs - 01/27/09 08:26 AM
As a realtor in Metro Atlanta, my job is to ensure that my clients are well-informed, protected, and advised as to the options available to them.  I provide as much information as possible in order to ensure they make an informed decision when purchasing a home, whether as an owner occupant or as an investment.  In particular, I try to safeguard 1st time buyers. I want my first-time home buyers to be 100% comfortable with their decision today and in the coming years as well. There are a few minor differences depending on the county dealing with water/plumbing, and a few … (1 comments)

1st time buyer: Historical Comparison of Buyer's Markets - 12/13/08 01:33 AM
This time in history is not merely unprecedented, it's NEVER HAPPENED, NEVER.  There have been 2 buyer's* markets in recent history. (A buyer's market is defined by high inventory, and typically marked with lower prices)
 
1) 1978-82 - early 80’s rates were 18%!!!
2) 1989-1992 – early 90’s rates were 10%!!!
 
NEVER have we had both high inventory/lower sales prices and low rates simultaneously. If you know ANYONE NOT IN A HOME, OR ON THE FENCE ON INVESTING, I’d be happy to help so please send me there info.  IT DOES NOT GET ANY BETTER THAN NOW … (0 comments)

1st time buyer: If the Interest Rate goes to 4.5% what should I do? - 12/08/08 07:13 AM
This is a question I've been answering for friends, family & others since last week after it hit the news that the Treasury Dept. MAY announce a new rate of 4.5%, in hopes of creting an economic stimulus. If this happens, anyone on the fence of buying needs to step up to the plate because it doesn't get any better than this combination of rock-bottom prices & low interest rates. We're looking at foreclosures & short-sales taking up 35-40% of the sales in the marketplace. This is a Buyer & Investor's dream scenario. But even if you're not buying right now, … (0 comments)