It's a buyers Market, how can our clients leverage this to their advantage when making a home purcahse, see below!
In a buyer's market, homes tend to stay on the market longer, and buyers have more leverage. To navigate this, it's crucial to get pre-approved for a mortgage, choose a knowledgeable real estate agent, and be prepared to negotiate effectively. Consider seeking concessions from sellers and analyzing comparable properties to strengthen your offer.
Detailed Steps for Buying in a Buyer's Market:
1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage:
This demonstrates your financial readiness and allows you to set a realistic budget.
2. Choose a Real Estate Agent:
An experienced agent can guide you through the market and negotiation process.
3. Know Your Needs and Wants:
Research your desired neighborhood and property type, and be prepared to make a decision when you find a good fit.
4. Thoroughly Inspect Properties:
Conduct thorough inspections to identify any potential issues before making an offer.
5. Analyze Comparable Properties:
Understand the local market by researching similar properties that have recently sold.
6. Make an Offer:
Be strategic in your offer, considering the property's condition, market value, and seller's needs.
7. Negotiate Effectively:
Be prepared to negotiate on price, contingencies, and even seller concessions.
8. Seek Concessions:
Consider asking for the seller to pay for closing costs, make repairs, or provide other incentives.
9. Read the Contract Carefully:
Understand all the terms and conditions of the offer before signing.
10. Ensure Contingencies:
Include contingencies for financing, appraisal, and inspections to protect yourself.
11. Manage Expectations:
Be prepared for the possibility that you may need to wait longer to find the perfect home.
12. Stay Informed:
Monitor market trends and adjust your strategy accordingly.
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Zillow predicts Atlanta will be one of the hottest housing markets in 2024, according to its annual report.
Driving the news: The hottest markets of the year are projected to have strong demand, steady home values, a growing number of homeowners and job growth, per the report.
The big picture: Buffalo, New York; Cincinnati, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis; Providence, Rhode Island; Atlanta; Charlotte, North Carolina; Cleveland, Ohio; Orlando, Florida; and Tampa, Florida, top this year's ranking.
Zoom in: Atlanta, No. 6 on the list, jumped three spots from last year.
What they're saying: "Housing markets are healthiest where affordable home prices and strong employment are giving young hopefuls a real shot at buying and starting to build equity," Zillow data scientist Anushna Prakash says.
The other side: Zillow reports the South, Midwest and Great Lakes regions are expected to thrive compared to the rest of the U.S. No markets in the western half of the country cracked the top 10.
Yes, but: Experts expect it to be another slow year in housing for everyone, with still-high mortgage rates pricing many out of buying — or selling.
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7 Reasons Why Alpharetta, Georgia is Perfect for Families
by EMILY MILLER
Safe, local, and excellently located, Alpharetta, Georgia is a perfect destination for families looking to relocate. The “first town” (the name is a combination of Alpha, the first letter in the Greek alphabet, and “retta”, which means town) has a long history as an attractive place to settle in the United States. The original pioneers who started to live in Alpharetta founded the city all the way back in 1858!
In this article, we will take a look at 7 reasons why Alpharetta, Georgia has been drawing families looking for a nice place to live for more than 150 years.
1) Location
According to polls, Alpharetta is one of the very best places to live in Georgia. Located just one hour north of Atlanta, Alpharetta provides all the safety, comfort, and security of a small town. But for fun weekend activities and date nights out, the bustling metropolis of Atlanta is just a short distance away.
2) Job Availability
Industry is booming in Alpharetta, making it an ideal destination for young families who are looking for a change of pace in the job market. With over 35,000 jobs and a growing employment rate, Alpharetta provides an attractive prospect for industrious new residents.
There are over 600 tech companies that call Alpharetta home, including such big-time players as ADP Inc, Comcast, and Hewlett-Packard. So if you are looking to get involved in an internet-based startup or work in telecommunications, online retail, or health related IT, Alpharetta is your place.
3) Fantastic Schools
Across Georgia, Alpharetta is known for its fantastic schools. There are plenty of great options for families with kids of any age, including preschools. There are nearly 150 local elementary school and preschool options, 16 different highly ranked middle schools, and 9 well-regarded high schools in Alpharetta. The main high school in Alpharetta, Alpharetta High School, has been included among the top 2% of public schools across the country, and ranked number 7 among all the schools in Georgia. Chattahoochee High School has also received excellent ratings.
4) Safe, Local Feel
Downtown Alpharetta is filled with local mom n’ pop type businesses. In shops, local cafes, bars, and restaurants, servers will remember your usual order, greet your children by name, and generally make you feel welcome and at home.
Alpharetta is the kind of town where everyone pitches in to decorate the streets for the holiday seasons and it is not uncommon to see a neighbor actually requesting a cup of sugar for a recipe- then delivering some fresh baked cookies as a thank you at the end. Alpharetta is one of those warm local communities that makes it an ideal place to raise a family.
5) Local Parks
Alpharetta has plenty of settings that are perfect for outdoor activities with the kids. Dozens of local parks offer playgrounds and hiking trails. Or you can rent a bicycle and take a ride through one of the local parks. At Fowler Park, your young sports stars can play on the fields, try out the recreation center, or zoom across the skate park. There are acres of beautiful trails and parks to explore and enjoy. Plus, the local recreation centers offer classes from aerobics to soccer to pottery, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.
If you want to bring the kiddos along to see some great live music, you can check out the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, an outdoor stage that offers seating for 12,000 audience members. The Amphitheatre offers family friendly entertainment, as well as world class musical acts like Train, Keith Urban, and Rascal Flatts.
6) Lovely Weather
Alpharetta is a perfect place for snowbirds; even in winter the coldest temperatures generally even out at about 50-60 degrees. The coldest day in January will not get any colder than 35 degrees, so you will be very unlikely to ever encounter snow while living here in Alpharetta.
Most of the time the weather skews hot, sunny, and humid. Summer temperatures tend to run upwards of 80 degrees, which makes it perfect weather for playing outdoors- especially if you unpack the inflatable pool and the slip n’slide. Water fights are a great way to get to know your neighbors in Alpharetta.
7) Nice Neighborhoods
Most young families in Alpharetta own their own homes, making this town a great place to settle down and spruce up your very own nest. There is room to grow and play here, as most homes have their own private outdoor spaces, with gardens, front patios, or grassy lawns, perfect for playing Thanksgiving Day football with the family.
Alpharetta - Great Place To Live With Kids
From its cozy suburban feel to the excellent, top rated public schools throughout the area, Alpharetta is a great place to live with kids. Here you can spread out, with room for your family to grow, explore, play, and connect. Alpharetta is truly a perfect place for families.