December 5, 2016
ATL Real Estate News & Tips
A quick look at Atlanta communities ITP & OTP
Are we in a Seller's Market?
Yes!  Steady home values and low inventory of available homes means the Atlanta metro area is still overall in a seller's market.  The chart below shows that homes priced below $300,000 are selling the fastest and closer to the list price.  
Are Prices Still Going Up?

Homes in metro Atlanta have been appreciating since 2012, with median sales prices increasing nearly 6 percent from July - September of this year vs. the same time period in 2015.

Source:  First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS) based on 9 metro Atlanta counties
Staged Houses Sell Faster

Did you know that 95% of staged homes sell, on average, in 11 days or less and for 17% more?*

Asking a professional stager to provide recommendations can cost as little as $150 but can pay big dividends. You'll be amazed at the untapped potential a fresh set of eyes can find in your home.   The recommended changes are often as simple and inexpensive as applying a fresh coat of paint, shampooing carpets or trimming overgrown shrubs. 

Check out these 10 home improvements that can really pay off.
"The investment in staging is always less than your first price reduction!"
--Barb Schwarz, Creator of the home staging concept
  *Based on Today’s Market.  Survey conducted by the International Association of Staging  Professionals ® and StagedHomes.com®
Mortgage rates are on the rise.  According to Bankrate's latest survey of the largest lenders, the benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased to 4.1 percent from 3.8 in early November; 15-year rates have increased to 3.3 percent.

Says David Payne, Staff Economist for Kiplinger, "The Federal Reserve is on track to raise short-term interest rates one-quarter of one percentage point on December 14.  Decent employment reports for August, September, October and, presumably, November, should give the Fed cover to act."

Steve Cook, editor of Real Estate Economy Watch, anticipates the rate increases will stick, and added, “The Fed plans to continue to move cautiously, so expectations are that we will see a gradual
but steady rise in rates in 2017. ”                                                            Sources:
                                                                                                                Inman – November 18, 2016
                                                                                                               Kiplinger -- November 11, 2016

[BLOG]   I can speak from experience on the often emotional topic of downsizing. My wife and I downsized at a comparatively young age and we’re happier for taking the plunge.

The combination of reasons that led to our decision is unique to us. Still, you’ll probably see bits and pieces of yourselves in our journey [continue reading]

Featured City: Brookhaven
Historic Brookhaven has long been part of the fabric of Atlanta but has only recently incorporated.   It is DeKalb County's largest city, with a population of 49,000. 

Known best for stately homes surrounding Capital City Club, Brookhaven occupies 12 square miles between Buckhead and the Chamblee-Dunwoody area.

Located less than 10 miles from Midtown Atlanta, Brookhaven is a popular home base for commuters into the city.  The median price of a condo or townhome is $245,000 while the median price of a detached home is $575,000. 

Brookhaven's family-friendly amenities and many parks give it a suburban feel. The city has relationships with youth sports organizations for soccer, baseball, softball, cheerleading and more.
Let me know if I can help.   I welcome your referrals!

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Steve Jamski | Keller Williams First Atlanta | Breakaway Realty Group LLC | 678-427-7107 |  stevejamski@kw.com | stevejamski.com