Thursday, December 25, 2008

Existing Home Prices & Sales Plummet

According to the National Association of Realtors, prices for existing homes in the South declined 10.9% in the past year. Also, sales of existing homes in the same area are down 10.6%. The decrease is thought to be the result of deteriorating conditions in the job market, stock market, and consumer confidence.

As a real estate professional, I've seen this firsthand. Its important to note, however, that homes are still selling and any perceived loss in the sale of your current home will likely be recouped in the purchase of your new home. This is because values are down across the board and higher priced homes tend to have greater price concessions than the homes purchased by first time buyers.

If you have a home to sell, you should know that there is a lot of competition for a buyer's attention. Your home needs to stand out. Any items needing repair should be corrected. Any issues that are not addressed will cause your property to sit on the market longer than necessary and will result in a significantly lower price than simply investing in the repairs.

Also, it is the norm for sellers to pay closing costs for the buyer. While it is not a requirement, you should be prepared for this request and factor it into your pricing and budget if possible. Finally, give your home as much exposure as possible. Most buyers start their new home search online so a strong internet presence is a must. Working with a Realtor will also ensure that your home is exposed to the real estate sales community and homes sold by Realtors get a 16% higher price than homes sold by owner.

If you are thinking about selling your home and have questions about the process or need suggestions on how to make your home stand out, feel free to contact me at c_lusby@kw.com.

Merry Christmas!


Its Christmas Day and I'm happy to be in the company of my loving family. After the gifts are opened and the meal is finished, I will have some much needed free time on my hands. If you are like me, you don't have much of this. 

Here are a few ideas on how you can spend your Christmas holiday in Atlanta. 
  • Check out a movie. This is an obvious choice and is a ritual for many on Christmas Day. Its one of the few places that will be open so its a popular choice. Click here for info on the top 10 movies and new releases. 
  • Check out Christmas light displays like the Lights at Life or the Magical Night of Lights at Lake Lanier. Click here for more information.
  • Bring the family and experience a manmade winter wonderland at Atlantic Station. Through December 31st, experience the 50' Christmas tree and snow at 7pm weeknights and hourly on Saturday and Sunday from 6pm to 9pm. For more information, click here.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Auctions Galore!


There are 6 auctions coming up in the next two weekends. If you follow the auctions then you know there is normally one auction per month. This is a great opportunity! I'm optimistic about finding the dining table that I've been looking for and a few more things to make my house a home.

Read on for the details...

Saturday, December 6, 2008
Olde Heritage Community
102 Olde Heritage Way
Woodstock, GA 30188

Preview Furniture at 11am
Auction Begins at 1pm

Sunday, December 7, 2008
Stonebridge Community
3495 Dalwood Drive
Suwanee, GA 30024

Preview Furniture at Noon
Auction Begins at 2pm

Monday, December 8, 2008
The Oaks Community
966 Hickory Leaf Ct
Marietta, GA 30067

Preview Furniture at 5pm
Auction Begins at 7pm

Friday, December 12, 2008
Dresden Creek Community
2649 Dresden Place
Atlanta, GA 30319

Preview Furniture at 5pm
Auction Begins at 7pm

Saturday, December 13, 2008
Centennial Lakes Community
915 Silver Lake Drive
Acworth, GA 30102

Preview Furniture at 8am
Auction Begins at 10am

Sunday, December 14, 2008
Hampton Station Community
202 Hampton Station Blvd.
Canton, GA 30114

Preview Furniture at Noon
Auction Begins at 2pm

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