Showing posts with label Atlanta real estate market trends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Atlanta real estate market trends. Show all posts

Friday, June 22, 2018

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 FacebookInstagram, 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.

Monday, December 18, 2017

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 lookOver 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.

Monday, December 26, 2016

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Real Estate Advisor - December 2016

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties
Real Estate Advisor – December 2016


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. 2016 has been a very good year for our clients and the outlook for 2017 is very positive.
 


Zillow reports that Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and the first few weeks of January are some of the busiest online shopping days for real estate. For our seller clients, we have special programs underway so you can take advantage of these opportunities! First, we are running extensive ads on Zillow searches to attract more buyers. No other brokerage provides this level of exposure on the largest real estate website with over 65% online market share.
 
Our company is strategically partnering with the Zillow Group to introduce a new Zillow Video Program that will dramatically increase views for our listings. Zillow ranks listings with Zillow Videos first in their search results which provides 2X the listing views versus other listings. Buyers also save Zillow Video listings as favorites at twice the rate of other listings.

The new program will include Zillow WalkThrough videos plus options for Professional Videos on luxury listings. We are organizing strategic vendor partners to help supercharge our Zillow Video inventory. The program includes training, certifications and more to ensure the highest levels of quality. We have a dedicated Zillow Team working with us to help the program move faster. Our goal is to have Zillow Videos on the majority of our residential listings by the end of February 2017. As we move into the early spring market, our seller clients will benefit from the increased exposure to more buyers.

As the recipient of the first ever Zillow Group Broker of Excellence Award, we will continue to partner with Zillow to introduce innovative programs that benefit our clients.
The Metro Atlanta real estate market remains active during the holiday season. Here is the summary for Metro Atlanta real estate through November 2016.
  • Closings for November 2016 were down 9% from last month and up 21.9% from last November. Year-to-date 2016 closings were up 10.6% compared to YTD 2015.
  • The average sales price for October was $279,000 which is up 3.7% from last month and up 5.2% from last year. The Average Sales Price is on track to beat the record levels posted back in 2006.
  • The listed inventory for November was down 5.4% from last month and down 3.3% from last year. But the limited availability of desirable properties is still driving multiple offers and very quick sales in select areas.
  • Overall months of supply for November was 4 months. Six months is considered normal. Luxury properties are taking longer with homes above $1 million averaging 14 months and properties over $2 million averaging 33 months to close.
  • The latest Case-Shiller Index (11/29/16) was up .16% from the previous month. Metro Atlanta home values are up 61% from the recent bottom of March 2012 and up 7.6% from the average index last year. Increased home values are building positive equity and getting more sellers back into the market.
  • Visit HomeServices Lending at Georgia.HomeServicesLending.com for the latest mortgage rates. The recent Fed hike has driven mortgage rates higher and many buyers are taking action before rates rise further. Our Close On Time Guarantee and Free Second Opinion programs have been very beneficial to our clients!

Click here for a more detailed set of charts including the National Real Estate Market, Metro Atlanta Real Estate Market and Trends impacting Atlanta 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 price points will be different. Homes between $200,000 and $500,000 have been in high demand and may show higher gains while the luxury market may show smaller gains. Yes, real estate is truly local.
Our website provides Instant Home Values Estimates for any property 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.

Year Property BoughtAverage Gain/ LossYear Property BoughtAverage Gain/ Loss
200028.82%20088.43%
200121.99%200922.67%
200217.46%201025.73%
200313.76%201135.20%
20049.89%201246.59%
20054.62%201323.89%
2006-0.16%201413.35%
2007-.80%20157.61%

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.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holidays!

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.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Real Estate Advisor For February 2016! Let's Check The Atlanta Real Estate Market Trends!

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Real Estate Advisor For February 2016!  Let's Check The Atlanta Real Estate Market Trends!


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!
 

On Ground Hog Day, General Beauregard Lee did not see his shadow which forecasts an early spring. Our company is having a very fast start to 2016 with pending sales up over 20%.But the market as a whole is relatively normal compared to last year.
  • Closings for January 2016 were up 1.4% versus January 2015 – which is statistically flat.
  • The average sales price for January was $258,000 which was down 4% from last month and up 8% from last year.
  • The listed inventory for January was down 4.3% from last month and down 4.6% from last year. But the limited availability of desirable properties is still driving multiple offers and very quick sales in select areas.
  • Overall months of supply for January was 5.6 months versus 3.6 months in December and 5.9 months last January. Six months is considered normal. Luxury properties are taking longer with homes above $1 million averaging 22 months and properties over $2 million averaging 41 months.
  • The latest Case-Shiller Index (1/26/16) reports that Metro Atlanta home values are up 52% from the recent bottom of March 2012 and up 5.6% from last year. Increased homes values are getting some sellers back into the market.
  • 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.
 

Penske Truck Rental published their latest moving destination list and Atlanta was ranked #1 for the 6th year in a row. The trend of moving to the Sun Belt has returned. Desirable attributes that help Metro Atlanta include a business friendly environment, low cost of living for a metro area, airport, moderate weather with 4 seasons and a high quality of life.

Here is the Top 10 List including previous rank:
  1. Atlanta (1)
  2. Phoenix (4)
  3. Tampa/Sarasota (2)
  4. Dallas/Fort Worth (3)
  5. Orlando (5)
  6. Denver (7)
  7. Houston (8)
  8. Seattle (6)
  9. Las Vegas (10)
  10. Chicago (9)
 

Our MEGA Open House Event will be Sunday, February 21st from 2pm – 5pm. There will be hundreds of beautiful open houses across Metro Atlanta. We will be giving away a brand new iPad Air to one lucky person in our sweepstakes promotion. This might be the right time to make your move! Contact us for additional details.
 

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 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 professional local insight to help determine the most accurate value of your property.

We hope everyone had a great Valentine’s Day and wish you and your loved ones an early spring!

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.

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Metro Atlanta Real Estate Advisor - July 2015! We Check The Stats!

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Georgia Properties
Real Estate Advisor – July 2015


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!


Summer is here. The real estate market is hot and sales activity is high. Click here for the full Greater Metro Atlanta Real Estate Report. Here is a summary:
  • Closings for June were up 4.9% compared to last month and up 12.3% compared to last year.
  • The average sales price jumped to $288,000 in June versus $281,000 in May. The average sales price for year-to-date 2015 is $263,000 which is up 49% from the bottom of 2011.
  • Listed inventory was up 5.3% from last month and flat compared to last year. Inventory is up 42% from the recent bottom of February 2013. But the limited availability of highly desirable properties in select markets is still driving multiple offers and very quick sales in those areas. Remember, real estate is local and markets can be very different.
  • Months of supply remained very low at 3.5 months for both May and June. Six months is considered normal. Luxury properties are taking longer to sell with homes above $1 million showing 10 months of supply and properties over $2 million showing 21 months of supply.
  • The latest Case-Shiller Index (6/30/15) reports that Metro Atlanta home values are up 47% 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.
  • Mortgage rates remain very attractive but are expected to move higher soon. Click here for the latest rates.
  • New Homes are moving fast – but many builders cannot build them fast enough. Visitwww.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 types of projects and would be happy to help you.


MEGA Open House Event!



Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties is pleased to announce our next MEGA Open House event on Sunday, July 19th from 2-5pm. There will be hundreds of beautiful properties on display. With low inventory and mortgage rates expected to rise, the market is very active this summer. Visit one of our open houses and register for a chance to win a brand new iPad Air2. Contact us to learn more.


SOLD PROPERTIES Now Available!



New MLS rules now allow us to show SOLD PROPERTIES on our websites without requiring registration. Now you can easily view SOLD PROPERTIES on your desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone. This also applies to our Mobile App. Our search tools offer the best data and most comprehensive options. Here are some examples of searches you can perform:
  • See Instant Home Value Estimates
  • Search By Google Map
  • Search By Neighborhood (using Advanced Search Options)
  • Search By School District (using Advanced Search Options)
  • Search By Drive Time and Walk Score (Mobile App)

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.

Monday, April 27, 2015

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Homeowner Sentiment Survey For Q1 2015

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is pleased to announce the results of our 1st Quarter 2015 Consumer Sentiment Survey. The survey results are organized into the following segments:

  • How is Home Value Defined Today? 
  • What is Most Important to Buyers and Sellers? 
  • What are the Differences in Generational Preferences? 
  • What are Priorities for Increasing Home Values? 
  • How Does Your Agent Add Value to the Real Estate Process? 
  • What is the State of the Real Estate Market Today?
The survey shows that homeowners and prospective buyers define value in broader terms of personal confidence in their housing investment and how a property meets their family needs now and in the future. As housing markets across America continue their recovery and with home equity rising for many, homeowners have increasing options. One-third of homeowners said they’ve considered selling their home in the near future. Those selling, want homes that better fit their changing lifestyles and life events.






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.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Metro Atlanta Real Estate Advisor – December 2014

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!



Closings for Metro Atlanta in November were down 24% compared to last month and down 9.5% compared to the previous year. This reflects the normal seasonal slowing for the fall plus some impact from world events and the November elections.

The Metro Atlanta market is 359 units ahead of 2013 closings which is essentially flat. If you exclude the heavy volumes of investors buying properties under $200,000 last year, the market above $200,000 is actually up 2,916 units or 13.6% compared to 2013.

The average sales price was $249,000 in November versus $245,000 in October. The average sale price for YTD 2014 was $250,000 which was up 42% from the bottom of 2011.

Listed inventory was down 6.1% from last month and up 14.9% compared to last year. Inventory is up 48% from the recent bottom of February 2013. But the limited availability of highly desirable properties in select markets is still driving multiple offers and very quick sales. Remember, real estate is local and specific markets can be very different.

Months of supply is 5.9 months versus 4.7 last month. Six months is considered normal.

New Homes are making a comeback. The problem is that many builders cannot build them fast enough! Visit www.NewHomesServicesGA.com to view new home communities.

Commercial real estate is also making a comeback in Metro Atlanta. Smart RE Data reports that land sales, industrial sales and office leases are improving. Our Commercial Real Estate Division specializes in these areas and would be happy to help you. Contact us for details.

Instant Home Value Estimates



Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties offers an innovative new solution that allows consumers to enter an address to“click and see” local home value estimates. The estimates are free and do not require registration. In one month, we had over 125,000 new consumers enter their home address to get an estimate. Our website traffic and listing views are up considerably. This is one of the unique ways we are providing more relevant local content to attract more potential buyers for our listings.

Contact Us For Additional Market Details Including Our Exclusive Report Used By Lenders To Value Homes For Mortgages.

The Best Mobile App For Real Estate!

Many consumers will be getting new mobile devices this holiday season. This is a great time to update your device with the latest version of our BHHS Georgia Properties Mobile App. Our Mobile App provides all the listings from our 8 local MLS services. We have the fastest updates, the most filtering options plus Sold Properties and the ability to Search Properties by Drives Times. Contact us to learn more about these amazing mobile search tools.



We want to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holiday Season!


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.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Metro Atlanta Real Estate Advisor October 2014! See The Latest Atlanta Real Estate Market Trends!

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 exactly what is happening in 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!



  • Closings for Metro Atlanta in August were down 16.9% compared to last month and down 2.5% compared to the previous year.  This reflects the normal seasonal slowing for the fall.
    Click here for a detailed report.
  • The Metro Atlanta market is 50 units ahead of 2013 closings.  If you exclude the heavy volumes of investors buying properties under $100,000 last year, the market above $100,000 is actually up 3084 units compared to 2013.  The largest segment is $200k - $500k.
  • The average sales price was $253,000 in September versus $256,000 in August.  The average closed sale price for the full year was $250,000 which was up 42% from the bottom of 2011.
  • Listed inventory was down .3% from last month and up 18.2% compared to last year.  Inventory is up 50% from the recent bottom of February 2013.  But the limited availability of highly desirable properties in select markets is still driving multiple offers and very quick sales. Remember, real estate is local and markets are different.
  • Months of supply is 5.2 months versus 4.4 last month.  Six months is considered normal.
  • New Homes are making a comeback.  The problem is that many builders cannot build them fast enough!  At the peak of 2006, we were building over 60,000 new homes per year.  Today, we are on pace to build around 18,000 new homes in 2014 and we expect to get to the 20,000 unit run rate by 2015.  Click here to view new home communities.



Introducing Local Home Value Estimates




Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties is introducing a new feature that allows consumers to enter an address to “click and see” local home value estimates.  The estimates are free and do not require registration.  The company is also introducing a new market trends report calledMarket Watch (based on MLS data) and a new Interactive AVM (Automated Valuation Model)report which is the same report used by lenders to estimate home values for mortgages.

"It is clear that consumers want to see home value estimates and we are pleased to be the first brokerage in Metro Atlanta to provide these innovative new solutions," said Dan Forsman, president & CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties.  "Real estate is local.  We have the advantage of proprietary MLS data, exclusive analytics tools and unique insight from our 1200 local experts.  These powerful new tools will bring significant advantages that benefit our clients and our agents.  And we are just getting started!  Look for more exciting announcements very soon."




Home values estimates have become popular on national real estate websites like Zillow.com, Trulia.com and Realtor.com.  The accuracy of these estimates is very mixed as the data is primarily based on tax records.  The home value estimates provided by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties are powered by Collateral Analytics which has been rated as one of the most accurate sources by the lending industry.  The report shows a value estimate, value range plus other data from tax records such as last sale price and date, comparable properties and local market trends.


View Market Trends Including The Latest MLS Data




The Market Watch report includes local MLS data for a more accurate perspective of local market trends.  If a property was sold yesterday, it would be reflected in this report as opposed to reports based on tax records which may take weeks or months to update.  To view a Market Watch report, consumers can register for a free My Home Finder account.  Only member brokerages and their registered clients can get access to local MLS data.


Get Report Used By Lenders To Qualify Mortgages




The new Interactive AVM (Automated Valuation Model) report is the same report used by lenders to estimate home values for mortgage loans.  The I-AVM allows the agent to adjust comps and other factors for a more accurate value estimate.  This powerful tool can combine MLS data, tax records and the unique insight from the local agent.  The I-AVM is only available from your local Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties agent.

Just visit our website or contact us to learn how to take advantage of these new innovations that provide better information about real estate.  Better information leads to better decisions!

If you or someone you know are considering moving, contact us to learn about our Advanced Property Marketing System – the most effective approach to selling your home for the highest value.

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.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Atlanta Real Estate Advisor - July 2014

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 exactly what is happening in 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!
  • Click here for a detailed market report for the Greater Metro Atlanta area.  BHHS Georgia Properties was Number 1 in both homes sold and buyers represented.  We have been ranked #1 for 5 years in a row!
  • Closings for Metro Atlanta in June were up 7.8% compared to last month and down 3.8% compared to the previous year.
  • The Metro Atlanta market is currently running 2.02% behind 2013 in closed transactions and 9.6% ahead in sales volume.
  • It seems surprising to most that the market is down in units sales compared to last year.  But there is more to that story…
  • Last year, we had a significant number of closings from large investors buying single family properties to put into their rental programs.  This year those large investors have slowed their purchases considerably.
  • Equity Depot recently announced that “notices of default” for foreclosures had shrunk to a 12 year low in Metro Atlanta.
  • The combination of fewer investor deals and fewer foreclosures reflect drastically smaller numbers in the $100,000 and below segment of the market.  Remember, those were unusual patterns.  If you factor out those transactions, the market is up 8.8% versus last year in units.
  • The largest buying segment for Metro Atlanta is Baby Boomers/ Gen X.  Thousands of these homeowners are moving to smarter living environments with less maintenance and others are moving toward homes that accommodate their health and lifestyles and they move into their senior years.  First Time Buyers have slowed due to increasing prices, student loan debt and challenges with employment.
  • Listed inventory was up 6% from last month and up 25.8% compared to last year.  Inventory is up 48% from the recent bottom on February 2013.  But the limited availability of highly desirable properties in select markets is still driving multiple offers and very quick sales.  Other areas have more normal conditions.  Remember, real estate is local and markets are different.
       
  • The overall “months of supply” is 4.3 months versus 4.2 last month.  Six months is considered a normal market.
  • But you can see that the numbers are very different depending on the price point and area.  Contact us to learn more about your specific area.
 
  • New Homes are making a slow but sure comeback.  The problem is that many builders cannot build them fast enough!  Labor shortages are one of the most significant inhibitors.
  • At the peak of 2006, we were building over 60,000 new homes per year.  Then the numbers dropped to 5,000 during the recession.  Today, we are on pace to build around 18,000 new homes in 2014 and we expect to get to the 20,000 unit run rate by 2015.
  • New home prices are rising with strong demand and limited inventory.  Presales are once again becoming the majority of sales.  In this environment, you want to make sure you are protected with strong representation to help set up the right expectations and agreements with the builder.  Contact us to learn more about best practices for buying new homes.
  • 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 40% from the bottom of March 2012.  But values remain down 15% from the peak of July 2007.   Click here for the latest report.
  • As the chart shows, our home values are back on a more normal trend line after over-inflating and then over-correcting.  These are common market cycles that work themselves back to a normal trend over time.
  • The long-term trend for mortgage rates is higher.  The Mortgage Bankers Association and Freddie Mac predict 30-year mortgage rates to be over 5% in late 2014 and 2015.  We still have exceptional mortgage rates.  The average mortgage rates in the last 50 years was 8%.  Act now before rates move higher!

This is an excellent opportunity to make your move while prices remain below replacement costs and financing costs are historically low.  Contact us to get started.

Introducing DriveTime For Mobile!
We are pleased to introduce our new Drive Time and Walk Time services for our Mobile App.  This is the first of its kind for Metro Atlanta.  It is available immediately for iPad and will be available soon for Android tablets, Smartphones and all our websites. Contact us to learn more!

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 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 678-513-2014 or email us at Arthur.Prescott@BHHSGeorgia.com.