Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Real Estate Advisor – June 2018

We are providing this monthly real estate advisor to keep you informed about the latest trends and issues in the real estate market. Remember that real estate is local and every market is different. Contact us to find out the specific details for your local area. If you know someone else who might be interested in receiving this report or who may benefit from our expertise, please let us know. Better information leads to better real estate decisions!

Below is the summary for Greater Metro Atlanta through May 2018.

• The entry-level market has strong demand and very low inventory. There are many multiple offers and values rose faster than other segments. The luxury market is a buyer’s market with buyers negotiating better pricing and terms.
• Mortgage rates are rising slowly which will impact affordability. Metro Atlanta continues to be very affordable relative to other metro areas around the country.
• May pending contracts were up .6% from April and up 8.6% from the prior year. May closings were up 11.7% from April and down 1.3% from the prior year.
• Year-to-date pended sales units were up 6.5% versus the prior year. Year-to-date closings were up 2.8% versus the prior year.
• The Average Sales Price for May was $322,000 – up 3.2% from April and up 6.6% from last year. 2018 is on track to be the highest annual ASP on record.
• Inventory for May was up 5.3% from April and down 8.8% from last year.
• Overall Months of Supply for May was 2.4 months. Six months is considered normal. Luxury properties took longer with homes above $1 million averaging 10 months and properties over $2 million averaging 16 months to close. The luxury market remains a buyer’s market in many areas.
• The Average List-to-Sale Price Ratio was 97% for all price points. Many properties in high-demand areas are selling above list.
• The latest Case-Shiller Index for Atlanta (5/29/18) was up .8% compared to the previous month. Metro Atlanta home values are up 73% from the bottom of March 2012. Increased home values are building equity and getting sellers back into the market.
• Visit Prosperity Home Mortgage to meet one of our Mortgage Consultants. Ask about the Prosperity Buyer Advantage and our 7-Day Close program.

Our next MEGA Open House Event is Sunday, June 24th from 2pm – 5pm. There will be hundreds of beautiful open houses available and one lucky sweepstakes winner will get a cool Amazon Alexa Package which includes an Alexa Show, Alexa Spot plus a 4-pack of smart outlets to allow your Alexa network to control other devices.

MEGA Open House Events are a very effective component of our Advanced Property Marketing for our seller clients. We run extensive open house ads on Zillow plus Facebook, Instagram, and WAZE to generate interest from potential buyers. We also leverage our digital billboard network and print mediums. In the local community, we market to the neighbors and often host a preview event. The combination of these aggressive marketing campaigns and local neighborhood exposure generates the most potential buyers.

If you know anyone interested in listing their home, contact us so we can get them scheduled for a MEGA Open House Event!

Father's Day originated in 1910 in Spokane Washington. Sonora Smart Dodd was the daughter of a Civil War Veteran who raised his six children as a single parent. To honor her father, she organized the first celebration at the Spokane YMCA. There were several attempts to create a national holiday by President Woodrow Wilson, President Calvin Coolidge and others. In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers and declaring the third Sunday of June as Father's Day. Six years later, the national holiday was made permanent and President Richard Nixon signed it into law. Happy Father's Day to all the Dads! Sunday, June 17th is your official day. Take time to enjoy it!

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties is pleased to announce our new Atlanta Real Estate skill for Alexa and Google Home. Just enable the “Atlanta Real Estate” skill to search properties, check home values and get the latest real estate market update. This is the most advanced real estate skill available and we are just getting started. Voice-powered devices are changing the way that consumers access information, enjoy entertainment and perform tasks at home, in the car and on many devices. The artificial intelligence behind these amazing platforms will make them smarter and smarter. Enable your Atlanta Real Estate skill today and check it out! You never know – Alexa may help you find the home of your dreams!

Contact us to learn more about the many ways that we market our listings to the largest possible audience of buyers. This increases the chances of finding the right buyer and negotiating the best terms that achieve success for our clients.

We would be honored to assist you or someone you know with their real estate needs. We are experts in the local market and have access to proprietary information sources that are not available to the public. Better information leads to better decisions!

Lake Sidney Lanier Homes is the most comprehensive online source for information on Lake Lanier homes for sale and Lake Lanier area real estate. View the latest Lake Lanier home listings, foreclosures, lots, land, sales trends and real estate topics on Lake Lanier. Arthur Prescott is an Accredited Buyer's Representative and Certified Residential Specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. He has over a decade of Lake Lanier real estate experience. If you would like to schedule a free buyer or seller consultation, please feel free to contact us directly at www.LakeSidneyLanierHomes.com or 770-844-8484 or email us at Arthur.Prescott@BHHSGeorgia.com.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Real Estate Advisor For December 2017

We are providing this monthly real estate advisor to keep you informed about the latest trends and issues in the real estate market. Remember that real estate is local and every market is different. Contact us to find out the specific details for your local area. If you know someone else who might be interested in receiving this report or who may benefit from our expertise, please let us know. Better information leads to better real estate decisions!

Below is the summary for Metro Atlanta through November 2017.

• Metro Atlanta real estate is the tale of three different markets. The entry-level market has strong demand and very low inventory. There are many multiple offers and values are rising faster than other segments. The middle market is showing normal signs of supply and demand. The luxury market remains a buyer’s market with buyers negotiating better pricing and terms.
• November pendings were down 9.3% from last month and up 16.8% from the prior year. November closings were down 11.8% from September and up 3.4% from the prior year.
• Year-to-date pended sales units through November were up 5% versus last year. Year-to-date closed units were up 3.8%. Year-to-date closed sales volume was up 9.3%.
• The average sales price for November was $289,000 – flat from last month and up 4.7% from last year. 2017 is on track to be the highest average sales price on record.
• Listed inventory for November was down 6.2% from last month and down 9.8% from last year.
• Overall months of supply for November was 3.5 months. Six months is considered normal. Luxury properties are taking longer with homes above $1 million averaging 15 months and properties over $2 million averaging 27.5 months to close. These numbers indicate a seller’s market under $500,000 and a buyer’s market over $1 million.
• The latest Case-Shiller Index for Atlanta (11/28/17) was up .16% (statistically flat) compared to the previous month. Metro Atlanta home values are up 69% from the bottom of March 2012. Increased home values are building equity and getting sellers back into the market.
• Visit HomeServices Lending for the latest mortgage rates. Ask about our Second Opinion program with $100 gift card for a free look. Over 84% of clients who tried the Second Opinion Program closed their loan with HomeServices Lending - because they found a better deal!

Click here for a more detailed set of charts including the National Real Estate Market, Metro Atlanta Real Estate Market and Trends for Georgia Real Estate.

 

The chart below shows a summary of Metro Atlanta Home Values according to the Case-Shiller Index for Atlanta. This is an interesting perspective for general home values across Metro Atlanta. As you can see, home values have essentially recovered from the real estate recession. Local areas and prices point will be different. Yes, real estate is truly local.

Our website provides Instant Home Values Estimates for any properties in the country. You can also model changes to see the impact on the estimated value. Check out your latest estimate!

We can provide you the most accurate value estimate since we have access to proprietary information sources and local details. Contact us for more information.

See the power outage checklist and car checklist to help you get prepared. Experts are predicting a colder than normal winter for our area this year. We want you to be ready and safe!

We wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holiday. Enjoy time with your family and friends and be safe during the holiday season. This is a special time of year and we thank all our clients for their trust. 2017 has been a very good year for our clients and the outlook for 2018 is very positive.

We would be honored to assist you or someone you know with their real estate needs. We are experts in the local market and have access to proprietary information sources that are not available to the public. Better information leads to better decisions!

Lake Sidney Lanier Homes is the most comprehensive online source for information on Lake Lanier homes for sale and Lake Lanier area real estate. View the latest Lake Lanier home listings, foreclosures, lots, land, sales trends and real estate topics on Lake Lanier. Arthur Prescott is an Accredited Buyer's Representative and Certified Residential Specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. He has over a decade of Lake Lanier real estate experience. If you would like to schedule a free buyer or seller consultation, please feel free to contact us directly at www.LakeSidneyLanierHomes.com or 770-844-8484 or email us at Arthur.Prescott@BHHSGeorgia.com.

Atlanta Real Estate Market Trends! Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Real Estate Advisor For August 2017

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Georgia Properties
Real Estate Advisor – August 2017

We are providing this monthly real estate advisor to keep you informed about the latest trends and issues in the real estate market. Remember that real estate is local and every market is different. Contact us to find out the specific details for your local area. If you know someone else who might be interested in receiving this report or who may benefit from our expertise, please let us know. Better information helps our clients make better real estate decisions!

 

The weather has been mixed this summer and the Metro Atlanta real estate market has also seen mixed results. Below is the summary for Metro Atlanta through July 2017.

• Year-to-date pended sales through July were up 4% versus last year. Year-to-date closings were also up 4%. Pending for July were up 11.7% from last July. But closings for July were down 5.2% from last July and down 17.3% from past month.
• The average sales price for July was $304,000 – down .6% from last month and up 5.6% from last year. 2017 is on track to be the highest average sales price on record.
• The listed inventory for July was up 2.2% from last month and down 4.5% from last July. But the limited availability of desirable properties is still driving multiple offers and very quick sales in select areas.
• Overall months of supply for July was 3.3 months. Six months is considered normal. Luxury properties are taking longer with homes above $1 million averaging 12.5 months and properties over $2 million averaging 20 months to close. These numbers indicate a seller’s market under $500,000 and a buyer’s market over $1 million.
• The latest Case-Shiller Index for Atlanta (7/25/17) was up 1% compared to the previous month. Metro Atlanta home values are up 67% from the bottom of March 2012. Increased homes values are building equity and getting sellers back into the market.
• Visit HomeServices Lending at Georgia.HomeServicesLending.com for the latest mortgage rates. Ask about our Close On Time Guarantee and Free Second Opinion programs. Over 80% of clients who tried the Second Opinion Program found a better solution and ended up closing their loan with HomeServices Lending.

Click here for a more detailed set of charts including the National Real Estate Market, Metro Atlanta Real Estate Market and Trends for Georgia Real Estate.

Our MEGA Open House Event is Sunday, August 20th from 2pm – 5pm. There will be hundreds of beautiful open houses open across Metro Atlanta. We are having great success in attracting buyers for our MEGA Open Houses! Our MEGA Open House Events are very different from the standard open houses from other companies. We invest in significant advertising on Zillow, Facebook, digital billboards and local promotions to attract more visitors. We are also the leader in listed properties so we have a lot of inventory to see! If you know anyone interested in listing their home, we would be honored to help.

The Greater Metro Atlanta area is home to thousands of elementary, middle and high schools. Safe Kids USA offers the following Top Back to School Safety Tips:

Reminders for Drivers:

• Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and school zones.
• Watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after school hours.
• Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Put down your phone and don’t talk or text while driving.

Reminders for Kids:

• Kids should cross the street with an adult until they are at least 10 years old.
• Never run out into the streets or cross in between parked cars.
• Make sure kids always walk in front of the bus where the driver can see them.

Labor Day is Monday September 4, 2017. Together, we will celebrate the contributions of workers across America. Labor Day has also become the symbolic end of the summer season - although summer officially ends on September 21. In high society, Labor Day is the last day of the year when it is fashionable to wear white or seersucker.

There is some debate over who first proposed the celebration of Labor Day back in 1882. Some believe it was a gentleman named Matthew Maguire who was serving as the secretary of the Central Labor Union of New York. Others believe it was Peter McGuire of the American Federation of Labor who had seen a similar celebration in Canada. Regardless of which Maguire/ McGuire, we are all happy this popular federal holiday now exists.

Labor Day is also the unofficial start of football season! High school, college and NFL teams will be underway. May your favorite teams play well.

We would be honored to assist you or someone you know with their real estate needs. We are experts in the local market and have access to proprietary information sources that are not available to the public. Better information leads to better decisions!

Lake Sidney Lanier Homes is the most comprehensive online source for information on Lake Lanier homes for sale and Lake Lanier area real estate. View the latest Lake Lanier home listings, foreclosures, lots, land, sales trends and real estate topics on Lake Lanier. Arthur Prescott is an Accredited Buyer's Representative and Certified Residential Specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. He has over a decade of Lake Lanier real estate experience. If you would like to schedule a free buyer or seller consultation, please feel free to contact us directly at www.LakeSidneyLanierHomes.com or 770-844-8484 or email us at Arthur.Prescott@BHHSGeorgia.com.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Real Estate Advisor – March 2017

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Georgia Properties
Real Estate Advisor – March 2017

We are providing this monthly real estate advisor to keep you informed about the latest trends and issues in the real estate market. Remember that real estate is local and every market is different. Contact us to find out the specific details for your local area. If you know someone else who might be interested in receiving this report or who may benefit from our expertise, please let us know. Better information helps our clients make better real estate decisions!

 

The Metro Atlanta real estate market is off to a mixed start in 2017. Pendings show strong momentum but closings are slightly down from last year. Inventory is lower - making it harder to find the right property. Below is the summary for Metro Atlanta through February 2017.

• Year-to-date pended sales through February were up 8.8% versus last year. Year-to-date closings were down 2% versus last year and down 9.8% from last February.
• The average sales price for February was $269,000 - up 1.9% from last month and up 5.9% from last year. The annual ASP for 2016 beat the record posted back in 2006.
• The listed inventory for February was down 1.8% from last month and down 5.4% from last February. But the limited availability of desirable properties is still driving multiple offers and very quick sales in select areas.
• Overall months of supply for February was 4.4 months. Six months is considered normal. Luxury properties are taking longer with homes above $1 million averaging 18.3 months and properties over $2 million averaging 91 months to close.
• The latest Case-Shiller Index for Atlanta (2/28/17) was essentially flat (+.16%) compared to the previous month. Metro Atlanta home values are up 61% from the recent bottom of March 2012 and up 2.42% from the average index last year. Increased homes values are building positive equity and getting some sellers back into the market.
• Visit HomeServices Lending at Georgia.HomeServicesLending.com for the latest mortgage rates. Ask about our Close On Time Guarantee and Free Second Opinion programs. Over 77% of clients who tried the Second Opinion Program found a better solution and ended up closing their loan with HomeServices Lending.

Click here for a more detailed set of charts including the National Real Estate Market, Metro Atlanta Real Estate Market and Trends for Georgia Real Estate.

 

Our MEGA Open House Event is this Sunday, March 19th from 2pm – 5pm. There will be hundreds of beautiful open houses open across Metro Atlanta. We are having great success in attracting buyers for our MEGA Open Houses! Our MEGA Open House Events are very different from the standard open houses from other companies. We invest in significant advertising on Zillow, Facebook, digital billboards and local promotions to attract more visitors. We are also the leader in listed properties so we have a lot of inventory to see!

If you know anyone interested in listing their home, we would be honored to help. Our next MEGA Open House Event will be Sunday, April 9th.

 

Did you know that China is the leading source of International buyers?Metro Atlanta is forecasted to be the next significant destination with new direct flights to China. The Chinese government blocks traditional real estate website so reaching these 1.39 billion potential buyers requires a different approach. We are pleased to announce a new strategic with Juwai.com, the leading real estate website for China. Our listings are professionally translated and receive the highest exposure. We are also working with Juwai to promote Metro Atlanta as a destination. No other company has this type of exposure to the largest and fastest growing segment of International buyers. Look for more exciting announcements soon as our industry-leading global exposure program continues to evolve.

 

March Madness is upon us. Here is a link to download your printable bracket. We will find out who wins in Phoenix on Monday night, April 3rd. Can you pick the perfect bracket? According to a study from DePaul University, the odds of picking a perfect bracket are one in 9.2 quintillion (1 in 9,223,372,036,854,775,808). The odds are worse than winning two Mega Millions jackpots in a row.

Did you know?

• Only once have all four #1 seeds made it to the final four (2008).
• No #16 seed has ever beaten a #1 seed in the first round.
• The phrase “March Madness” was first coined in 1982 by sportscaster Brent Musburger.
• In the 80 years of the tournament, only 35 schools have ever won the top prize.
• During March Madness, pizza orders increase by 19% and beer sales increase by 28%. Dessert orders increase 9% after favorite teams lose.
• Approximately 70 million brackets will be completed.
• The average ticket to tournament games will cost $477. Final Four tickets range from $588 to $9600.
• The NCAA will collect over 900 million in revenues. $9.2 billion will be wagered on legal gambling and $8.9 billion will be wagered on illegal gambling.

March Madness is big fun and big business. We hope your favorite team has a great run in the tournament. It will be fun to watch the buzzer beaters, Cinderella stories and epic matchups!

We would be honored to assist you or someone you know with their real estate needs. We are experts in the local market and have access to proprietary information sources that are not available to the public. Better information leads to better decisions!

Lake Sidney Lanier Homes is the most comprehensive online source for information on Lake Lanier homes for sale and Lake Lanier area real estate. View the latest Lake Lanier home listings, foreclosures, lots, land, sales trends and real estate topics on Lake Lanier. Arthur Prescott is an Accredited Buyer's Representative and Certified Residential Specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. He has over a decade of Lake Lanier real estate experience. If you would like to schedule a free buyer or seller consultation, please feel free to contact us directly at www.LakeSidneyLanierHomes.com or 678-513-2014 or email us at Arthur.Prescott@BHHSGeorgia.com.

The Latest Real Estate Market Trends For Metro Atlanta! Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Real Estate Advisor – January 2016!

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Georgia Properties
Real Estate Advisor – January 2016

We are providing this monthly real estate advisor to keep you informed about the latest trends and issues in the real estate market. Remember that real estate is local and every market is different. Contact us to find out the specific details for your local area. If you know someone else who might be interested in receiving this report or who may benefit from our expertise, please let us know. Better information helps our clients make better real estate decisions!




The strong potential for rising mortgage rates is motivating many consumers to take action now. Therefore, we expect early 2016 to be more active than normal.

Closings for 2015 were up 12.5% versus 2014. The December closings were up 3% compared to last month and down 12.8% compared to last year.

The average sales price for 2015 was $266,000 compared to $249,000 in 2014. The December average sales price was $272,000 which was up 2.6% from last month and up 6.7% from last year.

Listed inventory was up 3% in 2015 versus 2014. The inventory for December was down 8.2% from last month and down 3.5% from last year. Inventory is up 52% from the recent low mark of February 2013. But the limited availability of desirable properties is still driving multiple offers and very quick sales in select areas.

Overall months of supply for 2015 was 4.2 months versus 4.5 months in 2014. The December months of supply was 4.6 which was down from 5.2 months in November and up from 4.2 months last December. Six months is considered normal. 

Luxury properties are taking longer with homes above $1 million averaging 19 months and properties over $2 million averaging 36 months.

The latest Case-Shiller Index (12/29/15) reports that Metro Atlanta home values are up 53% from the recent bottom of March 2012. Increasing homes values are getting some sellers back into the market but also decreasing affordability for other buyers.

Visit HomeServices Lending at http://georgia.homeserviceslending.com for the latest mortgage rates. The Mortgage Bankers Association predict rates over 5% in 12 months.

New Homes are moving fast – but many builders cannot build them fast enough for the demand. Visit http://www.NewHomesServicesGA.com to view new home communities.

Commercial real estate is also making a comeback in Metro Atlanta. Our Commercial Real Estate Division specializes in these areas and would be happy to help you.



Realtor.com predicts that Metro Atlanta will be the Number 5 Hottest Real Estate Market in 2016. Chief Economist, Jonathan Smoke predicts a 7.4% increase in existing home sales. Realtor.com also noted that surging demand can be attributed to growing household formation, a prosperous job market, and low unemployment rates as well as large populations of key demographics. Older Millennials (25 to 34 years old), younger Gen Xers (35 to 44 years old), and retirees (65 to 74 years old) will be driving home sales in 2016.

SmartNumbers reports that Baby Boomers continue to be the largest segment for new construction buyers in Metro Atlanta. First Time Buyers are #2 but lower than historical trends. The average age of a First Time Buyer is now late 20s/ early 30s. Rental rates have skyrocketed which makes home ownership very attractive. Gen Xers are the next largest segment driven by the normal trends of household formation with growing families and move-ups. The rising costs of new home construction and scarcity of larger land tracts are driving builders to move out further into the suburbs for new projects. Tear-downs, renovations and smaller new home projects are still popular in the interior markets.



Our mobile app now offers “search by school district” for all metro area public schools. This search option is also available on our websites. To search by school district, simply click the “search icon” and enter the name of your school in the search bar. Select any other attributes and click “search homes” to see the available properties in that school district. Our mobile app offers many advantages including search by DriveTime, Sold Properties from the MLS and more. Our app is fully integrated to our website so you can use any device, anytime and anywhere.



Interested in the latest home values? Check out our exclusive home value estimate tool that provides three value estimates from sources including Zillow, Local Public Records and RPR (Realtors® Property Resource). We also provide a new option to make your own value adjustments on any property. You can also print, save, share and get a reminder for the latest updates. This is the most comprehensive solution for home value estimates available. If you are interested in listing your property, we have additional information sources and local insight to help determine the most accurate value of your property.



We want to wish you a Happy 2016. We hope it is your best year ever!

We would be honored to assist you or someone you know with their real estate needs. We are experts in the local market and have access to proprietary information sources that are not available to the public. Better information leads to better decisions!


Lake Sidney Lanier Homes is the most comprehensive online source for information on Lake Lanier homes for sale and Lake Lanier area real estate. View the latest Lake Lanier home listings, foreclosures, lots, land, sales trends and real estate topics on Lake Lanier. Arthur Prescott is an Accredited Buyer's Representative and Certified Residential Specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. He has over a decade of Lake Lanier real estate experience. If you would like to schedule a free buyer or seller consultation, please feel free to contact us directly at www.LakeSidneyLanierHomes.com or 678-513-2014 or email us at Arthur.Prescott@BHHSGeorgia.com.

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• The Latest Real Estate Market Update For Cumming Georgia And Other Lake Lanier Areas! (lakesidneylanierhomes.blogspot.com)
• Get Your Instant Lake Lanier Home Value Estimate Here! Plus, More Valuation Resources Coming Soon! (lakesidneylanierhomes.blogspot.com)

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Real Estate Advisor For Metro Atlanta - April 2014

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Georgia Properties
Real Estate Advisor - April 2014

We are providing this monthly real estate advisor report to keep you informed about the latest trends and issues in the real estate market. If you know someone else who might be interested in receiving this report or who may benefit from our expertise, please let us know. Better information helps our clients make better real estate decisions!

• Click here for a detailed market report for the Greater Metro Atlanta area.
• Once again, BHHS Georgia Properties was Number 1 in both homes sold and buyers represented for February 2014. We have been ranked #1 for 5 years in a row.
• Closings for Metro Atlanta in February were down 15% compared to last month and down 25% compared to the previous year.
• For the Greater Metro Atlanta area, listed inventory was down 1.9% from January 2014 and up 16% compared to February 2014 levels. The limited availability of quality properties has turned some local areas into a seller’s market.
• The available “months of supply” rose to 6.6 months which is similar to January 2014. The slower pace of sales and slightly higher inventory are creating a more normal market condition.
• The pace of short sales and foreclosures coming on the market has slowed considerably. In 2010, over 60% of sales were distressed properties but in February we only saw 134 foreclosures and 209 bank-owned sales. Resales and New Homes are the larger mix of sales.
• New Homes are making a slow but sure comeback. There are some wonderful new home communities coming online with the latest innovations in smart building that may be great options for buyers. Click here to view new home communities.
• The Case-Shiller Index reports that Metro Atlanta home values have increased 37% from the bottom of March 2012. But values remain down 16.94% from the peak of July 2007. Click here for the latest report.
• The trend for mortgage rates is higher. The Mortgage Bankers Association and Freddie Mac predict 30-year mortgage rates to be over 5% in 2014. This could significantly reduce buying power for those that wait.
• Baby Boomers are the leading buyer segment followed by First Time Buyers. Move-Up Buyers are showing some signs of improved activity but remain well below historical levels.

This is an unprecedented opportunity to buy the home of your dreams while prices and financing are historically low. But these conditions will not last as the real estate market continues to recover.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Ranked Brand Of The Year

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, the new real estate brokerage network operated by HSF Affiliates LLC, today announced it was named “Real Estate Agency Brand of the Year” in the 26th annual Harris Poll EquiTrend® study. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices received the highest ranking in the Real Estate Agency category based on consumers’ perception of its brand familiarity, quality and purchasing consideration, among other qualifying elements. The study was based on opinions of more than 40,000 U.S. consumers surveyed online earlier this year.

“We are delighted to be recognized by consumers in the venerable Harris Poll EquiTrend ® study,” said Earl Lee, CEO of HSF Affiliates LLC, which operates Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “This terrific honor by consumers is a tribute to our powerful brand – whose namesake is the world - renowned Berkshire Hathaway Inc. – and the top-quality affiliates and agents who represent it.” Added Stephen Phillips, president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices: “We are humbled by the honor, particularly since our brand was not even a year old at the time of the study. We look forward to a bright future as part of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.”

The brand received the highest numerical Equity Score among large real estate brands included in the 2014 Harris Poll EquiTrend® study, which measures and compares the brand health of more than 1,500 brands across 170 categories from airlines and apparel to retailers and real estate. Consumers responded with their brand perceptions, gauging their emotional connection to the brand, plus brand awareness, influence and familiarity. According to Harris, a brand is defined as a set of persuasive promises about a product, service or organization that differentiates it from others in a universally positive, contextually relevant or personally compelling way. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, which transitioned its first affiliates in September 2013, has grown exponentially with independently owned brokerages operating across America. The network is built on a foundation of quality with rigorous standards for affiliation. 

Contact Us To Put The Power Of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices To Work For You!

Happy Good Friday and Happy Easter 2014!

Easter is a wonderful sign that spring is here. It is celebrated by people of many faiths. From Easter egg hunts, visits from the Easter Bunny and Easter brunches with great food – this is a popular time of year. It is also noted as the beginning of the social season in many circles.

For Christians, Easter is a religious feast and holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day at Calvary as described in the New Testament. Easter is preceded by Lent, a forty-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance. The last week of Lent is called Holy Week, and it contains MaundyThursday and the Last Supper, as well as Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Easter is followed by a fifty-day period called Eastertide or the Easter Season, ending with Pentecost Sunday.

We hope you and your family have a wonderful Easter. We are so happy that spring is finally here!

If You Know Someone Who Can Benefit From This Information Or Our Real Estate Expertise, We Would Love To Help Them.

Lake Sidney Lanier Homes is the most comprehensive online source for information on Lake Lanier homes for sale and Lake Lanier area real estate. View the latest Lake Lanier home listings, foreclosures, lots, land, sales trends and real estate topics on Lake Lanier. Arthur Prescott is an Accredited Buyer's Representative and Certified Residential Specialist with over a decade of Lake Lanier real estate experience. If you would like to schedule a free buyer or seller consultation, please feel free to contact us directly at 678-513-2014 or email us at Arthur.Prescott@BHHSGeorgia.com.

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• Harris Poll finds Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices No. 1 in real estate 'Brand Equity'
• Warren Buffett's new franchise brand, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, grows to 51 firms
• Showing Lake Lanier Homes For Sale! Another Beautiful Sunday At The Lake!

Greater Metro Atlanta Real Estate Update Courtesy Of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties!

Greater Metro Atlanta Real Estate Update

We are providing this monthly real estate advisor report to keep you informed about the latest trends and issues in the real estate market. If you know someone else who might be interested in receiving this report or who may benefit from our expertise, please let us know. Better information helps our clients make better real estate decisions!

• Once again, BHHS Georgia Properties was Number 1 in both homes sold and buyers represented for 2013. That makes 5 years in a row.
• For the Greater Metro Atlanta area, listed inventory was up 11% compared to 2012 levels and down 34% from 2011. The limited availability of quality properties has turned some local areas into a seller’s market.
• The available “months of supply” was 4.6 months based upon closed sales (6 months is considered normal). This is down 9% from last month.
• Closings for Metro Atlanta in November were down 2.5% compared to last month and down 6.9% compared to the previous year.
• Closings under $100,000 were down 24.6% from last December. The exit of large investors has allowed the price distribution of properties to return to normal.
• The pace of short sales and foreclosures coming on the market has slowed considerably. In 2010, over 60% of sales were distressed properties but in December we only saw 333 foreclosures and 439 bank-owned sales. Resales and New Homes are the larger mix of sales.
• New Homes are making a slow but sure comeback. There are some wonderful new home communities coming online with the latest innovations in smart building that may be great options for buyers.
  Click here to view new home communities.
• The Case-Shiller Index reports that Metro Atlanta home values have increased 37% from the bottom of March 2012. But values remain down 16.67% from the peak of July 2007. Click here for the latest report.
• The trend for mortgage rates is higher. The Mortgage Bankers Association and Freddie Mac predict 30-year mortgage rates to be over 5% in 2014. This could significantly reduce buying power for those that wait.
• Baby Boomers are the leading buyer segment followed by First Time Buyers. Move-Up Buyers are showing some signs of improved activity but remain well below historical levels.

This is an unprecedented opportunity to buy the home of your dreams while prices and financing are historically low. But these conditions will not last as the real estate market continues to recover.

Lake Sidney Lanier Homes is the most comprehensive online source for information on Lake Lanier homes for sale and Lake Lanier area real estate. View the latest Lake Lanier home listings, foreclosures, lots, land, sales trends and real estate topics on Lake Lanier. Arthur Prescott is an Accredited Buyer's Representative and Certified Residential Specialist with over a decade of Lake Lanier real estate experience. If you would like to schedule a free buyer or seller consultation, please feel free to contact us directly at 678-513-2014 or email us at Arthur.Prescott@BHHSGeorgia.com.

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Metro Atlanta Real Estate Market Trends For January 2014! Check The Latest Stats!

View a slide show of the latest Metro Atlanta Real Estate Market Trends For January 2014.  Presented by Arthur Prescott of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties.





Lake Sidney Lanier Homes is the most comprehensive online source for information on Lake Lanier homes for sale and Lake Lanier area real estate. View the latest Lake Lanier home listings, foreclosures, lots, land, sales trends and real estate topics on Lake Lanier. Arthur Prescott is an Accredited Buyer's Representative and Certified Residential Specialist with over a decade of Lake Lanier real estate experience. If you would like to schedule a free buyer or seller consultation, please feel free to contact us directly at 678-513-2014 or email us at Arthur.Prescott@BHHSGeorgia.com.

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Prudential Georgia Realty's Atlanta Real Estate Advisor For December 2013!

Prudential Georgia Realty Real Estate Advisor

December 2013

Introducing…

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices

On December 10th, our company will be adopting the new Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand. We are excited to begin this new chapter for our company and this conversion will bring many advantages for our agents and their clients. This year, we also celebrate 50 years of serving the needs of our clients in the Greater Metro Atlanta area. During that time, we have operated as Crest Realty, Merrill Lynch Realty, Prudential Atlanta Realty and Prudential Georgia Realty. Though the name has changed, our commitment to deliver exceptional real estate services has not. In the last five years, our company has been consistently ranked as the #1 real estate company with more homes sold than any other brokerage.

• According to the Forbes Global 2000 list, Berkshire Hathaway is the 8th largest public company in the world. The company is led by Chairman and CEO, Warren Buffett who is often referred to as “the Oracle of Omaha” for his keen insight on business matters.
• Berkshire Hathaway owns and operates approximately 55 companies and employs approximately 300,000 people. Company holdings include major brands like GEICO, Fruit of the Loom, Dairy Queen, Benjamin Moore, Helzberg Diamonds, NetJets, Heinz, MidAmerican Energy and Shaw Industries which is located in Dalton, Georgia.
• Berkshire Hathaway has major stock positions in companies like Wells Fargo (8.7%), American Express (13.7%), IBM (6%) and Coca-Cola (8.9%).
• Berkshire Hathaway was named the No. 1 company in Barron’s annual ranking of the world’s 100 most respected companies.

Being part of such a large and successful organization gives us many advantages. For example, our listing clients will benefit from an unprecedented level of exposure. Look for more details and exciting news as we move closer to our big announcement on December 10th.

We look forward to leveraging the Power of Berkshire Hathaway to deliver even more advantages for our clients and customers. Contact us to learn more.

Greater Metro Atlanta Real Estate Update

We are providing this monthly real estate advisor report to keep you informed about the latest trends and issues in the real estate market. If you know someone else who might be interested in receiving this report or who may benefit from our expertise, please let us know. Better information helps our clients make better real estate decisions!

• For the Greater Metro Atlanta area, listed inventory is up 26.8% from the lowest point in February 2013. But inventory remains down .2% compared to 2012 levels and down 34% from 2011. The limited availability of quality properties with reasonable value has turned many local areas into a seller’s market.
• The available “months of supply” was 4.7 months based upon closed sales (6 months is considered normal).
• Closings for Metro Atlanta in October were down 6.9% compared to last month and down 11.3% compared to the previous year.
• Compared to October 2012, closings under $100,000 were down 53%. The exit of large investors has allowed the distribution of properties to return to normal. Closings over $1 mil were down over 20%. Closings in the $500k - $1 mil price range were very strong - up 34% from last year.
• The pace of short sales and foreclosures coming on the market has slowed considerably. In 2010, over 60% of sales were distressed properties but in October we only saw 284 foreclosures and 278 bank-owned sales. Resales and New Homes are the larger mix of sales.
• New Homes are making a slow but sure comeback. New home closings are up 55% from last quarter. There are some wonderful new home communities coming online with the latest innovations in smart building that may be great options for buyers. Click here to view new home communities.
• The Case-Shiller Index reports that Metro Atlanta home values have increased 37% from the bottom of March 2012. But values remain down 16.85% from the peak of July 2007. Click here for the latest report. Click Here for a detailed set of slides that show the National Market, the Metro Atlanta Market, and how our company is performing. There is a reason we are ranked #1 in Metro Atlanta.
• The trend for mortgage rates is higher. The Mortgage Bankers Association and Freddie Mac predict 30-year mortgage rates to be over 5% in 2014. This could significantly reduce buying power for those that wait.
• First time buyers and baby boomers remain the strongest market segments. Move-up buyers are showing some signs of improved activity but remain well below historical levels.

This is an unprecedented opportunity to buy the home of your dreams while prices and financing are historically low. But these conditions will not last as the real estate market continues to recover.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Lake Sidney Lanier Homes is the most comprehensive online source for information on Lake Lanier homes for sale and Lake Lanier area real estate. View the latest Lake Lanier home listings, foreclosures, lots, land, sales trends and real estate topics on Lake Lanier. Arthur Prescott is an Accredited Buyer's Representative and Certified Residential Specialist with over a decade of Lake Lanier real estate experience. If you would like to schedule a free buyer or seller consultation, please feel free to contact us directly at 678-513-2014 or email us at APrescott@PrudentialGeorgia.com.

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