Atlanta Real Estate Positive Angles

What are real estate professionals saying to homebuyers and sellers about current market conditions? The successful brokers and sales associates are talking about the strengths that exist in the market — not the negative media hype. Below are positive angles that appeared recently in the media and underscore why it is a good time to buy real estate.

Recent Quotes & Excerpts about the Positive Signs in the Real Estate Market:

Industry Leaders See Opportunity for Homebuyers
“What we’ve seen is that people still have jobs even though it’s pushed up to 6.5% unemployment. Most people are going to see some increase in income, and we still have mid-range, single-digit interest rates. We have a lot of inventory to choose from, so there’s some opportunity, and I think confidence is the issue that we need to focus on.”

-- Tom Kunz, president and CEO, Century 21 Real Estate, “Century 21 CEO on Housing,” CNBC Power Lunch (video), Nov. 18, 2008.

“You are buying a home for your family to live in and to enjoy. You get tax write-offs that the government gives us, so timing the market is not a smart thing. You should buy for lifestyle. Right now, in my 34 years in real estate, is the best time I’ve ever seen to buy real estate.”
-- Jim Gillespie, president and CEO, Coldwell Banker Real Estate, “Keeping Homeowners in Their Homes,” Fox Business News (video), Nov. 18, 2008.

Dear Jon

Jon, I am thinking about purchasing my first home, what is the very first thing I should do to start the process? Mary Ann, Roswell, GA

Mary Ann, the first thing you should is hire a real estate agent to guide you through the home buying process. It can be very intimidating. Other than that, the very first thing you should do is contact a lender and get pre-approved not pre-qualified. There is a major difference. Pre-qualification is a process in which you disclose your financial information verbally to a lender and they will give you a preliminary approval or non-approval. Pre-approval is a process where the lender physically reviews your financial information in length to determine your approval. Pre-approval is more of a solid answer to obtaining a mortgage.

Mortgage guidelines have changed dramatically within the past year. It's very important to know your financial status and know what you can comfortably afford on a monthly bases. The last thing you want is to be is "mortgage broke"!

I have several lenders that I can refer to you in order to start your process. Stay tuned to my blog on a daily basis. Soon, I will be featuring different lenders and more home buying questions.

Good Luck

Jon

Got a real estate questions? Just ask! jon.chapman@condostore.com

Q & A

Got a question about real estate or the Atlanta real estate market? Just ask and I will post your question and answer. Email questions to jon.chapman@condostore.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mercedes C320- FOR SALE

Hello Everyone

My good friend Brian is selling his Mercedes Benz C320 at a really great price. Here are the specifics:

Mercedes Benz C320- Black 4 Door Sedan
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Sunroof, CD Player
Excellent condition
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PRICED at $13,000

Attached are pictures and if you are interested contact Brian directly at bet1974@comcast.net or (404) 932-9197.

The Stacks are back!

Everyone needs a little laugh!

You're invited to attend a Loft Tour!

This is The Stacks 2nd Annual Holiday Loft and Artist Tour located at The Stacks at the Fulton Cotton Mill Lofts. Last year this was such a fun and unique event.

Admission is Free
Friday, December 5th, 6-10 PM
Saturday, December 6th, 2-8 PM

Call me if you have any questions or directions.

Housing Showing Signs of Recovery

“With all the turbulence and losses in stocks and bad economic news in the headlines lately, you can easily lose perspective on what's really going on in the real estate sector.

* Well, remember that there is a huge pent-up demand simmering away out there for housing – especially from first-time buyers who want to scoop up low-priced deals.
* Fixed 30 year rates fell from 6.5% to 6.24% during the week. Fifteen year rates broke below 6% to 5.9%, down from 6.14%.
* Pending home sales were higher than year-earlier levels for the second straight month – 1.6% higher than September 2007.
* Although pending sales contracts were down slightly for the month, in the Western states they were up by 3.7%, and now stand at an extraordinary 39.7% higher than they were at the same time in 2007.
* Already sales are up significantly in major markets in many parts of the U.S. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun specifically mentioned the west coast of Florida, the Phoenix area, Virginia, Long Island, N.Y., Kansas City, Minnesota and Idaho.

So here's the key point to keep in mind as you try to make sense of the headlines: The stock market is NOT the housing market. It's on a whole different set of tracks. And it's been in a highly volatile state for more than a month. Housing, on the other hand, has already endured its painful correction for two and a half years … is now pretty much stabilized … and is slowly moving toward its cyclical recovery.”

-- “Real Estate Outlook: Housing in Recovery,” by Kenneth R. Harney, Realty Times, Nov. 18, 2008.

A bit about my profile!

Atlanta's Real Estate EXPERT

Buying or selling your home in today's economic and cultural climate is a daunting task. That is why you need a solid, reputable realtor to meet your needs. As a seven- year veteran of the Atlanta real estate market, Jon Chapman can successfully manage your move into the community and into the home of your dreams.

Looking for the right place to call home? Jon's planning, marketing, and talent for matching the right homes with the right people will assure that your buying and selling process will be painless. Through constant research and advice, Jon will match your needs to be best suitable home. Jon is well versed in Atlanta’s corporate culture, nightlife, art and music scenes, as well as the myriad of communities metro Atlanta offers. This will assure you of finding the ideal space where you can create your home.

As a multi-million dollar producer, Jon tracks up and coming communities, identifies changing housing trends in metro-Atlanta, and specializes in the Atlanta condominium and single family homes. This experience coupled with his winning personality makes him the perfect fit for your needs.

Call today for an appointment customized around your individual needs! (404) 285-9738

Top Real Estate Company Nationwide!

Looking to buy or sell real estate? Look no further! Contact me today for an appointment customized around your individual needs. Feel free to check out my profile at http://www.condostore.com/ and http://www.coldwellbankeratlanta.com/.

Hello Atlanta!

Hey Everyone and welcome to my new blog containing anything and everything about Atlanta Real Estate! I know, I know, it may sound like a total bored to some, but I think this is going to be a great outlet to share my thoughts, information, current news, and even guide anyone wanting to buy or sell real estate.

With the current media ripping apart the mindset of all of us regarding the real estate market, our Country's economic crisis, and so much more, we all seemed to be a bit confused on what's real and what's said to crush our consumer confidence. I know we can all benefit from a little positive energy!

Thank you for your support and for checking out my new blog! If you know of anyone looking to purchase or sell real estate, please feel free to contact me.

Talk to you soon!

Jon Chapman, Realtor, CNS

Coldwell Banker The Condo Store

Atlanta Real Estate

jon.chapman@condostore.com