From our quarterly magazine, Spotlight on Country Club of the South - to request your copy, please email Maura@GebhardtGroup.com.

Dear Country Club of the South Neighbors,

Having recently returned from the RE/MAX International Convention in Las Vegas and networking with other top agents, I came to the conclusion that the Atlanta real estate market is better off than many other areas of the country, but not nearly as good as we would like. According to the S & P/Case-Schiller 20 City Study, the national housing price index showed an 18.5% decline over 12 months from December 2007 to December 2008. The decline in Atlanta values was below the national average, but still registered a 12.1% decline in value. The reality is that our homes have lost value.  According to a recent article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, "resale prices in Atlanta have fallen back to 2002 levels."

What does all this mean for us here in Country Club of the South?

For Sellers, this is not the time to test the market! Homes that will sell in the next year or so, will be priced competitively and will be in tip top condition. It is a "Price War and a Beauty Contest!" Buyers today have such a wide selection of homes and will definitely shop price and value. What someone paid for their home, how much they have put into it or how much they need to "get out of it" is not of concern to today's buyers.

For Buyers, it is a fantastic time to buy! With historically low interest rates and an abundant inventory, buyers, especially first time buyers and investors, should jump on the "once in a lifetime opportunity." Even current sellers, who may not get the money they would like for their current home, can definitely "make it up on the buying end."

Many of the Real Estate educators and economists at the RE/MAX Convention predict that the current market conditions will continue for at least the next year. The proposed government stimulus package should help increase the buying activity in the more moderate price ranges, but the upper range market will continue to be slow until more attractive "Jumbo" financing is available and consumer confidence is raised.

If you have questions about the current value of your home or need any assistance with other timely real estate issues, such as your contesting property tax bill or assistance with a short sale, please feel free to give me a call at (770) 751-5895 or (770) 856-8561.

Sincerely,

Our current issue (pictured above) is due out next week - keep an eye out for updated stats and articles. If you would like to receive a full copy via snail mail, please email Maura@GebhardtGroup.com and we'll send a copy out to you!

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Pam Gebhardt, ABR, CRS, GRI, CLHMS, e-Pro, SRES
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097

(770) 238-0563
email: info@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/