January 24, 2012
2012 Home Sales on the Rise Predicts Fannie Mae
Fannie Mae economists are predicting incremental steps forward in the housing sector for 2012, albeit refinances will fall. “The second half of the year should outpace the first six months in terms of growth, though fiscal policy and political uncertainty in Washington will likely drive consumer and business activity”, the mortgage giant states.
According to Chief Economist Doug Duncan positive consumer activity and challenges in housing and the global economy will equate to moderate growth for the year.
“We’re entering 2012 with decent momentum, especially on the employment side, which is fostering positive household and consumer behavior,” Duncan said, “Unfortunately, we expect this momentum to slow as we move through the first half of the year.”
Total home sales are predicted to increase 3.5% to about 4.74 million in 2012 from 2011 with another 5% gain in 2013 to nearly 5 million, according to the report released last Friday. New home sales are forecasted to jump 10.4% for 2012.
According to the forecast, the Federal Housing Finance Agency home sales price index, excluding refinances, could dip 1.1% for 2012 from a year before. Many Economists had predicted the 2011 index would finish 4.6% lower than 2010.
December 1, 2011
Jingle Bells, House That Sells! Stage the Halls for the Holidays..
Jingle Bells, House That Sells! Stage the Halls for the Holidays..
I know, you have enough to deal with already getting through the holidays with your Atlanta home for sale, but as long as your house is on the market anyway, tis the season to be putting a festive face on the place! Here are some tried and true tips to make the most out of your holiday décor, and give those prospective buyers a holly jolly time while touring your warm and inviting hearth and home.
- A holiday wreath or pinecone arrangement on the dining table will put buyers in the festive spirit and make them feel right at home.
- Welcome one and all with an inviting entrance and a front door tastefully decorated for the season.
- Focus on the fireplace. Nothing says cheer is here better than a colorfully adorned fireplace mantel. Remember to stay within the color theme of your home here. If your décor is normally pale shades of blue, skip the red garlands and stay within your given color scheme for the most appealing display.
- Keep it simple, seriously! If you have a fireplace or other architectural feature that you would like to accentuate, add simple displays to show off and not distract from it’s natural beauty.
- Trim the tree, but keep it sweet. Make sure your tree is not overwhelming your space. If you have a two-story foyer then make the most of it with a towering tree, but if space is tight, keep the tree thin and lanky. Go for a modern and uncluttered trimming, with a color theme that enhances the surrounding décor.
- Keep buyers toasty and warm! When it’s chilly outside keep your buyers wanting to spend more time at your home by setting the thermostat up a degree or two, and if you have a fireplace, light it up. The more time they spend warming themselves by your fire the more likely they are to feel an affinity for your humble abode.
- Let them see you’re merry and bright by lighting up the yard with lights! Go gently here my friends. A simple string of lights to accentuate the homes appealing architecture or to show off your gorgeous fir trees will do nicely. No one wants to spend Christmas with the Kranks, so leave your inflatable Santa and reindeer set in the garage, please!
- Santa likes cookies, and so do your wearied buyers! Nothing says holiday cheer like the smell of freshly baked cookies, except maybe the sight of those cookies gingerly laid out for those guests who’ve come to visit, that you would love to stay.
November 16, 2011
Home Ownership Is on the Upswing!
According to a recent Census Bureau report, the homeownership rate posted a surprising rise in the third quarter, after falling to a 13- year low during the second quarter.
While it’s still true that foreclosures are still putting the squeeze on some homeowners, and reluctant buyers are still holding off for the proverbial ‘bottom’; this third quarter rise is posted as the first rise in two years.
However encouraging, the 0.4 percent increase, which increased the homeownership rate to 66.3 percent for the third quarter, was not large enough to post an annual increase. The current homeownership rate remains at 0.6 percent below the rate recorded in the third quarter of 2010.
In addition, according to the Census report, when the current rate is seasonally adjusted – which brings it to 66.1 percent – it is “not statistically different from the rate last quarter” – an even 66 percent.
“Meanwhile, the homeownership rate remains at a level that suggests America’s love-affair with housing is still on the rocks,” Capital Economics adds.
The Midwest was the region with the highest homeownership rate, with a rate of 70.3 percent, with the West chiming in with the lowest at 60.7 percent homeownership. The Northeast and South fell respectively in between at 63.7 percent and 68.4 percent.
West Virginia had the highest homeownership rate at 76.1 percent; followed closely by Mississippi with a 70 percent homeownership rate.
The lowest homeownership rates were seen in the District of Columbia with a 44.3 percent rate for the quarter with New York following at 54.4 percent.
Nevada and California – states hard-hit by the housing crisis – were also in the bottom five with homeownership rates of 55.3 percent and 55.9 percent respectively.
November 8, 2011
Roswell Homes Have One Important Advantage…Location, Location, Location!
What is it about homes in Roswell, GA that make them so special? For one, Roswell is perfectly situated off of GA-400 about 7 miles north of Sandy Springs making it a very convenient and highly desired location.
Furthermore, you can get a WHOLE lot of house for the dollar too. And, with the holidays coming and buyers on the prowl, its easy to see why Roswell is one of the area’s HOTTEST real estate markets…But, Why???
The reason so many flock to this area is its plethora of Roswell Parks and Recreation such as Roswell Park, and the Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell Restaurants like Sugo, and Aqua Blue, STELLAR schools, and QUALITY CONSTRUCTION for less than what you would expect to pay.
I may be a little biased because I was raised in Roswell off of Holcomb Bridge Rd. in Martin’s Landing. When I was a kid, I loved having all my friends in my neighborhood. I went to Mountain Park Elementary when I used to live in Brookfield West and then went to Holcomb Bridge Middle followed by Chattahoochee High School. To say I know and love the area is an understatement, but its not what I know, its what BUYERS WANT…and Boy, do they want to be here!!!
This LAVISHLY-DESIGNED John Wieland Pottery Barn PERFECT home boasts the ultimate in pristine appointments and luxurious finishes, all in a highly-sought out area known for its top-rated schools and acess to some of Roswell’s BEST recreation! Perfectly situated near all the major highways, your eyes won’t believe this hand-tailored renovation masterminded over the years.
From the STUNNING chef’s kitchen complete with breakfast bar and breakfast area to the fireside family room to the LAVISH master suite, you are sure to experience the LUXURY life, all for a fraction of what you might expect to pay.
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Move-in READY STUNNING Renovation From the Top to Bottom Includes:
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- Gleaming Hardwood Floors Throughout Main Level!!
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- Let Your Inner Chef Come Alive! Kitchen Renovation w/Granite Counters & High-End Cabinets!!
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- Enjoy European-Feel with High-End Finishes & LAVISH Appointments!
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- Cozy Up In the Fireside Family Room!!!
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- Or, Relax in the Formal Living Room with Dramatic BAY WINDOW!
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- DESIGNER Paint Throughout!!!!~HOW SWEET???
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- LAVISH Master Suite with MASSIVE Sitting Area and Designer Features!!!
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- Master Bath Retreat Boasts HUGE Granite Vanity & Separate Shower Room!
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- Fabulous French Doors Open to an Entertainers DREAM DECK & Ultimate Outdoor Experience!
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- FULLY-FENCED Yard with Tons of Privacy & Mature Landscaping!!!
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- Private Cabana & Entertainer’s Deck in Back Yard!!!
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- Newer HVAC, A/C and 4-yr Old Water Heater!!
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- Granite Countertops on EVERY STITCH of this Home!!!
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- NEW Architectural Roof~Oh Yeah!!
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- Too Many Upgrades to Describe, You MUST See For Yourself!!!
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- STELLAR School Districts and Highly-Sought Out Location Just a stones throw to GA-400!
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- NEW DOUBLE PANE Energy Saving Windows!
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The hard-to-find PRIVATE Back Yard, Fully-Fenced with a MASSIVE Entertainer’s Deck and mature landscaping make it the ULTIMATE entertaining experience.
But, don’t take my word for it, call Winter Baserva today at 678-463-3173 to set up your own private showing.
Real Alert app …
Real Alert app offers comfort for real estate agents
Looking for the quickest way out of an emergency situation? Well now there’s an app for that!
I recently came across an interesting article describing how an Austin woman has developed an iPhone application to protect herself and others called Real Alert. Michelle Jones, a realtor, wanted a way to protect herself while showing homes and meeting with strangers. One of her friends in the business was attacked during an open house in Austin. “You just never know when you are going to meet with someone who is a creep,” Jones said. She and her husband brainstormed ways to keep her safe on the job.
From one screen, REAL ALERT allows you to save precious moments with Quick tap “Call 911” and a Quick tap “ALARM” to ward off potential attackers. It also allows you to speed dial your emergency contact with Quick tap “ALERT A FRIEND”. You can also use it to LOCATE the nearest HOSPITALS using your current GPS location and record “CREEP DATA” – details about a suspicious person before they are forgotten.
After coming up with a solution that would make her husband comfortable and her feel safe, Michelle approached a programmer she knew and hired her to program the app. “I’m not an overly technical person and definitely not a programmer,” says Michelle. “I developed REAL ALERT to satisfy my own safety needs and quickly realized that it is a perfect solution for anyone, regardless of age or profession, that wants to protect themselves from potentially dangerous situations. I’m confident that it will help save lives.”
REAL ALERT is currently available on iTunes at a price of $1.99. It is listed in the ‘Lifestyle’ category and is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. REAL ALERT is available for download at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/real-alert/id436455476?mt=8.
November 1, 2011
Spring foreward…Fall Back…Time for some Fall Landscaping Ideas!
Spring forward…Fall back….Time for some Fall Landscaping Ideas
The past few frosty mornings in the Atlanta area have confirmed that it is indeed, fall again. My summer totes are making their way to the basement…goodbye Espadrilles! It is time to assess the condition of my foliage to see what needs pruning, pulling, or even moving to make a graceful transition to the inevitable cooler days and season that is upon us.
Well we all know good things have to come to an end, but there are many ideas afoot to make that enjoyment last just a wee bit longer.
There are many plants available that can stand up to a degree of cold or even a little frost. Your more fibrous and woody plants will be the kinds of plants to look for . There are also many varieties of tall grasses that have become available with in the last few years that make a great addition to your fall garden. There is such a collection of colors, heights, and plumage, you will find it hard to choose! The best thing about the grasses is that they are maintenance free.
In late summer and early fall there are many varieties of mums that can be planted. You will find them to be most hardy when dealing with the cold weather of October. Another great plant that can add a lot of color to your landscape is Kale.
There are many colorful trees for fall that you can plant in your yard. You can go from bright yellows to fiery red. Some of the premium choices are sugar maples, birch, ash ginkgo, redbud, beech, hickory, butternut, honey locust and the tulip tree to name a few out there. Do some research on the internet and you will find there are many new hybrids coming out every year.
With the phethora of gourds, pumpkins, cornstalks, hay bales and potted plants to be found at this time of the year there is no limit to the fun and great ideas you can come up with decorating your yard for fall. You could build a straw or hay bale stack on both sides at the end of your driveway and create an arrangement of fall colors. Cattails would make a nice addition to your fall collection as well.
October 27, 2011
Stability Rising for Sandy Springs, Dunwoody Housing Prices
Stability Rising for Sandy Springs, Dunwoody Housing Prices
STABILITY RISING FOR PERIMETER HOUSING PRICES
Things are looking up for home sellers in the Perimeter area! Whereas prices have not returned to the pre-recession days, they are no longer falling and have leveled out considerably. The Perimeter, which consists of neighborhoods including Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, etc. are centrally located to the city and are comprised of numerous established neighborhoods.
“Prices have stabilized”, said Smart Numbers President Steve Palm. “You’re able to get more bang for your buck than in other areas.” According to Smart Numbers data the average sale price for homes in Perimeter were $403,645 in 2011- up from $397,426 last year but still well below the 2007 high of $459,463. Comparatively speaking the prices were still above average from metro Atlanta, which saw greater drops in prices.
The Perimeter has fared better than most areas around Atlanta, and although is not seeing a return to the former ‘glory day’s, prices are more stable than most other areas. According to Steve Palm, “Considering that one out of four homes in metro Atlanta are being sold for less than $50,000, the Perimeter submarket has fared well.”
2011 has shown marked improvement also in Sandy Springs and Dunwoody with the amount of days houses are staying on the market before selling. In the Atlanta housing market overall there is a larger percentage of distressed inventory than in the Sandy Springs and Dunwoody market. According to Todd Emerson, senior V.P and managing broker of Harry Norman Realtors in Perimeter, “One of the secrets to a healthier single family home market here is better pricing. Homes that did not reduce their sales prices sold in an average of 56 days compared with an average of 110 days for those that dropped their prices.” In the Sandy Springs, Dunwoody area home sales are up close to 9% this year.
October 21, 2011
Alpharetta Homes..and Why my Seller is THRILLED with my Services When I DIDN’T SELL his home!
Alpharetta Homes…and Why my Seller is THRILLED with my Services When I DIDN’T SELL his home!
WE THOUGHT WE HAD IT ALL!
1) LOCATION-How many times have we heard this one?? We’ll, you will need to consider this EVEN MORE carefully in Atlanta, as some of the commutes can have you in your cars for days. Most people who are relocating to the area opt for a “suburban feel” with proximity to “the city” where most headquarters are located…..But, a GOOD BIT of the technology jobs as well as many others have named ALPHARETTA their headquarter location. Perfectly situated off GA-400, this is one of the BEST areas in terms of being able to get more BANG for your buck
2) SCHOOLS-Even if you don’t have children, schools play a big park in resale in Atlanta and Alpharetta is chock full of good ones.
Abbotts Hill-great elementary school for those budding minds.
Taylor Road-voted one of the best middle schools by the locals
Chattahoochee High School-Home of the Cougar and I’m proud to say this is where I graduated High School.
AND YET, DUE TO HARSH MARKET CONDITIONS, MY SELLERS HOUSE DIDN’T SELL… AND IF THAT’S NOT A HARD ENOUGH PILL TO SWALLOW, ONE DAY DISASTER STRUCK!
As I opened the lockbox and headed for the basement I hoped for the best, but feared the worst. The carpet was wet in different places, and I couldn’t tell where the water was coming from. My mind immediately kicked into recovery mode and I called my assistant to get the number for a few of our plumbing vendors, and restoration clean up companies. Five phone calls later, including one to my trusty home inspector to find out where the water shut off valve might be, I had a moment to take a breath, and regain some vestige of composure. This might have been something I could wrap my brain around if my home owner was in the same HEMISPHERE as me and knew about his EMERGENCY home disaster! But being the ultimate professional Realtor that I am, who thinks on her feet, I realized I was on my own with this little misadventure.
WHILE MY SELLER DECIDED TO TAKE HIS HOME OFF THE MARKET UNTIL REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED, AND TO WAIT OUT THE HOLIDAYS, HERE IS WHAT HE HAD TO SAY ABOUT MY STELLAR ‘OUT OF THE BOX’ MARKETING OF HIS HOME!
So when you are looking for an agent to represent you in your home buying/selling journey, just ask yourself this question:
HOW MANY AGENTS CAN GET A REFERRAL FROM A SELLER, WHEN THE HOME DOESN’T SELL? And then give Winter Baserva a call at 673-463-3173 and let’s see what I can do for you!
September 23, 2010
How to Remodel in Today’s Economy
In today’s economy, more than ever, you need to understand the RIGHT way to remodel…Here are the renovation do’s and don’t's:
- DO Look Closely at the Space: You have to first identify what the purpose of the remodel is. Are you needing extra space, are you making changes for health reasons or simply upgrading your lifestyle and living space? Decide what is a MUST CHANGE and what you can keep or take care of later.
- DON’T Skip the Estimate & DO Shop Around: A designer, contractor or architect should ALWAYS visit your home before providing a quote for you. Make sure your quote is as DETAILED as possible. This will eliminate misunderstandings and overspending down the road.
- DO See it In Person: Make sure you take the time to visit the showroom or warehouse to see IN PERSON the materials you are considering purchasing. Photos aren’t going to show the tiny imperfections seen on some materials.
- DO Set a Budget And STICK TO IT: Determine how much you want to invest (with help from your already-received quotes) and establish which priorities are MOST important to you. Stick with your game plan, no matter what!
- DO Choose a Professional: From having your Realtor’s opinion to picking the right person to head up the job, chosing a professional will be key to minimize headaches. There are many professional remodeling organizations such as NKBA or the National Association of Remodeling Industry that can assist in helping find a qualified contractor.
- DON’T Forget to Micro-Manage-Ask questions and find out WHY they are doing what they are doing. Just “letting the contractors be” could mean trouble. Don’t be afraid to understand the process.
- DO Think of Resale Value: If nothing else, please consider the short and long term implications of your renovation. Sometimes being too unique cuts off your ability to market toward highly-effective buyers and overpaying or over-improving can lead to loss of returns. You want to organize it to at the very least recoup your investment.
For other great tips on remodeling, feel free to email me at http://www.seasonsrealtygroup.com/
