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Real Estate Report January Special Section
News and Advertising for New Homes • Realtors • Developers • Commercial Properties • and more
January 2014
A l p h a r e t ta • C u m m i n g • C h e r o k e e • D u l u t h • F o r s y t h • G w i n n e t t • J o h n s C r e e k • M i lt o n • R o s w e l l • S U WA N N E E
Real Estate Market Outlook 2014 By: Jennifer Pino – Atlanta Fine Homes We are very excited in the real estate industry about the outlook for 2014, as we have seen tremendous growth in both commercial and residential real estate fronts. Leading the way in North Fulton, is the Avalon multi-use development which is unlike anything we have seen in the southeastern United States. Opening in October, 2014, Avalon will be home to luxury hotels, farm to table restaurants, boutique shopping, upscale entertainment venues and community events, all in our own backyard on Old Milton Parkway, West of GA 400. There will be 101 courtyard style single family homes, as well as 250 luxury rentals above retail, as well as offices. For several years, there was little
development in North Fulton, which was a reflection of the stagnant and declining real estate market. Now, one cannot drive through Milton without noticing the new home developments. According to Scott Murphy of D.S. Murphy & Associates, there are more building permits currently issued for North Fulton and South Forsyth Counties than any other areas in the Metro Atlanta area. The jobs and income to local businesses which come along with that are a welcome change. What does that mean to Milton homeowners? The attraction to our area, quality of life and excellent schools is stronger than ever, and we are experiencing increased demand, resulting in an increase in home prices. For those homeowners who had been nervous about selling due to the stagnant market, this may be your year.
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Home Staging Tips (NAPS)—If you’re putting your home on the market, home staging is an important element in preparing your home for sale. The idea is to spruce up inside and outside and pack away personal items that may distract a buyer. One family’s keepsakes are another family’s clunkers, so pack away cute photos, unusual artwork and accessories, and replace tired towels, bedding and curtains. Clean out overstuffed closets so they look roomier. A little maintenance can help get the best price for your home. Wood floors are a big selling
point, so make sure yours look their best. Minwax Hardwood Floor Cleaner will remove dirt and grime without leaving any residue. If your floors are scuffed and scratched, bring back their warm sheen without the mess and expense of refinishing. Minwax Hardwood Floor Reviver is easy to apply and refreshes worn hardwood floors. Finally, small details count: Touch up nicks and scratches in woodwork and wood furniture with an easy-to-use stain pen, such as the Minwax Wood Finish Stain Marker.
A little careful planning can help you have your dream home.
How To Buy In An Active Market so private mortgage insurance may be the more affordable option. In most cases, borrowers can save more than $100 per month with private mortgage insurance instead of FHA’s. Another consideration is policy cancellation. FHA no longer allows cancellation of mortgage insurance premiums for borrowers with less than 10 percent down, requiring them instead to pay premiums for the life of the loan. In contrast, private mortgage insurance can be cancelled once you’ve established 20 percent equity and loan payments are current, among other conditions. According to Mortgage Insurance Companies of America, 90 percent of borrowers cancel their mortgage insurance within 60 months. Check with your lender about all your financing options. Private mortgage insurance is available with down payments as low as 3 percent. A strengthening housing market means today’s buyers are facing new realities. Before you buy, make sure you understand and address these challenges, so you can greatly increase your chances of getting into the home of your dreams.
Now Is The Time To Sell. Median Sold Price by Month (City of Milton) Nov-2012 vs Nov-2013: The median sold price is up 16%
$ in Thousands
(NAPS)—The housing market is roaring back in many areas, as increased demand and decreased inventory combine with very low interest rates to boost real estate sales. If you’re considering buying a home, a few tips can help. • Know the market. Stay on top of new home listings by frequently checking real estate listings using online search engines. In a market where a home can have multiple offers, buyers must be ready to make an offer quickly. Think through the “must haves” of your future home instead of chasing features that might be nice to have but are optional. • Show you are serious. Demonstrating that you’re prepared to close a purchase quickly can be an advantage in a competitive housing market. First, get a prequalification letter from your lender to show you qualify for financing. Second, when making an offer, don’t “lowball” the seller. Make your bid competitive and keep contingencies to a minimum, particularly if there are additional purchase offers. Sellers are looking for a worry-free, uncomplicated sale. Try to be flexible on closing costs and dates. • Consider all financing options. Consider putting 5 percent down so you have more equity and then continue building equity faster. Borrowers who have a down payment of less than 20 percent must also budget for mortgage insurance. Recent changes have made government-sponsored Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance more expensive,
www.ERASunriseRealty.com
650 600 550 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0
Oct-2012 510,065
Nov-12 Dec-12 Jan-13 Feb-13 Mar -13 Apr -13 May-13 Jun-13 Jul-13 Aug-13 Sep -13 Oct -13 Nov -13 Oct-2013 589,919
Oct-2012 vs. Oct-2013 Change 79,854
% 16
Property Types: Residential | Cities: Milton | MLS: FMLS | Price: All | Period: 1 Year Monthly | Construction Type: All Bedrooms: All | Bathrooms: All | Sq Ft: All | Lot Size: All Square Footage
+16%
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Why Sell Now? By Andrea Cueny Atlanta Fine Homes Buying and selling a home in January may seem daunting to many, but it can actually work in your favor especially in the Alpharetta and North Atlanta areas. Inventory or homes on the market is at an already low and a home that has been staged, properly marketed, and priced appropriately will sell very quickly. Those in the market to buy never stop looking and those looking in January are motivated and ready to act. They are constantly online looking at new inventory. Make your home
stand out from the rest with staging, professional photography, and good marketing and you may realize how smooth selling in January is versus the spring months. January and winter buyers often benefit from lower interest rates, because lenders are trying to motivate buyers to act now. The buyer may also be able to close faster due to decreased volume, as compared to the spring months. Real estate transactions completed by using a licensed REALTOR® can often go much smoother. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real
estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. For the seller, a REALTOR® will price and market your home to reach your desired goals. This may include staging, marketing, networking, negotiating and managing the transaction from the beginning through the closing. If you are on the buying side, a REALTOR®
can provide you with objective information about a community including information on recent sales, utilities, schools, and more in order to make an informed decision and hopefully a solid overall investment. A REALTOR® knows the market and can help you find the best property out there while negotiating a fair price and guiding you on contract terms. The value of The Cueny Team is that we offer over 10
years of real estate expertise and market knowledge while always keeping our clients best interest at the forefront of the transaction. Visit our website at www.THECUENYTEAM. com or our blog at andreasellshomes.wordpress.com. Like us on facebook THECUENY TEAM / Atlanta Real Estate as well for more real estate information. We look forward to serving you in 2014 for any of your real estate needs.
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Stephanie Butler Realtor® 678.296.1774
LUXURY AT THE LAKE Lake Lanier: 3732 Pintail Circle 7 bd • 5 ba • 1 half ba • pool • dock w/ slip • big water views • master on main FMLS #5199278 • $2.399M
MOUNTAIN LIVING Big Canoe: 143 S. Sanderlin Mtn Drive 3 bd • 3ba • master on main • swim/ tennis/golf community FMLS #5206087 • $399,000
THE MANOR The Manor: 2925 Manor Bridge Drive 6 bd • 7 ba • 2 half ba • master on main saline pool/spa • exercise floor, sauna FMLS #5115460 • $1.85M
Lisa Swayne Realtor® 770.241.9165
Deidre Beirne Realtor® 404.783.3372
NEW PRICE Harrington Falls: 1585 Eversedge Drive 6 bd • 6 ba • finished terrace level master upstairs FMLS #5191004 • $749,000
DUNWOODY Spalding Hills: 7950 Spalding Hills 5 bd • 5 ba • 1.5+ acres pebbletech pool • cul-de-sac FMLS #5219011 • $650,000
17+ ACRE HORSE FARM Pure Magic Farm: 13165 Birmingham Hwy 17+ acre equestrian estate • 17 stall barn dressage arena • pool/spa FMLS #4281932 • $1.995M
Laura Falk
Realtor® 770.715.0325
SOLD Highland Manor: 1503 Dartmouth Road 5 bd • 5.5 ba • finished terrace level room for pool • 3 car garage FMLS #5131675 • $669,000
LAKE LANIER LOT Lake Harbor Shores / Gainesville water frontage • survey available FMLS #5078847 • $22,500
SOLD Providence Plantation: 285 Weatherwood Circle • 4 bd • 4.5 ba • finished terrace level • master on main • walk-out backyard FMLS #5174277 • $455,900
Ramsey Flint Realtor® 404.312.2269
NEW LISTING Gladwyne: 125 Gladwyne Ridge Drive 4 bd • 3 ba • 2 half ba • master up 1.7 acres • complete kitchen renovation FMLS #5218776 • $539,000
SOLD Stonegrove: 2025 Stonegrove Place 5 bd • 4.5 ba • master up • gated community in the heart of Roswell FMLS #5183211 • $795,000
LAND IN HALL COUNTY 6019 Ben Parks Road / Murrayville 20+ acres • mountain views power / water / sewer available FMLS #5207786 • $306,000
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