Why Get Pre-Approved Before Beginning Your Atlanta Home Search?

There are many great Atlanta area homes for sale. Click here to perform a full home search, or if you're thinking of selling your home, click here for a FREE Home Price Evaluation so you know what buyers will pay for your home in today's market. You may also call me at (404) 564-7272 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation to answer any of your real estate questions.

The spring buying season is right around the corner - are you prepared? Today, we explain why it's crucial to get pre-approved before beginning your home search. 

First, what does it mean to be pre-approved? Essentially, it's when a lender takes your loan application over the telephone, gathers all essential items, validates the items, and then pre-approves your loan based on the items gathered. The process is more intensive than being pre-qualified, which omits the income documentation and asset information. 

In order to be pre-approved, you'll need your W2 Forms, tax returns,  pay stubs, and your bank statements. The lender may also need to contact your employer for further verification of employment. Sounds like a lot of work - is it worth it? 

Getting pre-approved shows sellers that your offer is serious. The fact that a lender has evaluated your finances and has already agreed to underwrite a home loan will make your offer stand out in a multiple offer situation. Sellers like choosing pre-approved buyers because they have confidence that the transaction will go smoothly. Getting pre-approved will also benefit you by giving you a clear picture of your financial options. You'll know what price ranges you can afford, which will help narrow your home search.

If you would like to be pre-approved, so you can start looking at homes with the preparation you need, give us a call or shoot us an email. We work with reputable lenders that would love to help you through the entire process. We look forward to helping you soon!

Where's the Atlanta Market Heading?

There are many great Atlanta area homes for sale. Click here to perform a full home search, or if you're thinking of selling your home, click here for a FREE Home Price Evaluation so you know what buyers will pay for your home in today's market. You may also call me at (404) 564-7272 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation to answer any of your real estate questions.

Today, we're here to recap a fantastic year in Atlanta area real estate, and look forward to what 2015 will bring!

It's been a great year for homeowners, as the average value of sold homes in the Atlanta area is up 11% compared to the same time last year! The market has really rebounded over the past few years with steady appreciation, despite slowing down a bit in the last few months

Interest rates have also improved from last year, falling from about 4.26% to 4%. You can expect home values to continue their incremental climb this year, but keep in mind that different neighborhoods will appreciate at different rates. Ponce City Market, the Old Fourth Ward, and Poncey-Highland are all very hot areas right now, and we don't expect that to change next year. 

If you have any questions about what we've seen in our market over the last year, or are curious about what might happen in the new year, give us a call or shoot us an email. We would love to help you out!

We want to thank everyone for the continued support!

Your Home's Value Is Rising - But for How Much Longer?

 There are many great Atlanta area homes for sale. Click here to perform a full home search, or if you're thinking of selling your home, click here for a FREE Home Price Evaluation so you know what buyers will pay for your home in today's market. You may also call me at (404) 564-7272 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation to answer any of your real estate questions.

Your Home's Value Is Rising - But for How Much Longer?

Have you been wondering what's going on with the market in Atlanta right now? Today, we're going to answer just that.

Currently, we are in a seller's market. If you haven't gotten a home evaluation in the last few years, now may be the time! If you were under water, or were underwhelmed by your home's equity, when you last checked, you may be surprised by how much your home is now worth.  

We've come a long way since the lows of the downturn several years ago. Home values have been steadily increasing each month, and the latest data shows that metro Atlanta prices have risen 13.8% over the last year. Although neighborhoods have appreciated at different rates, the city is nearly at October of 2008 levels. Things are much better, but we still have a bit more recovering to do. 

Mortgage rates have fallen for the second consecutive month and 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are around 4% at the moment. However, we've ran into homeowners who are hesitant to sell their home in the winter. What they don't realize is there are many advantages to selling during this time. There is less inventory on the market, less competition, and homes show well with holiday decorations. Additionally, because many of the buyers during this period are relocation buyers who are in a hurry, you will be dealing with serious buyers. 

If you're looking to buy, winter is also a great time to start your search. There aren't as many buyers out there looking for homes, so you won't have to worry about running into as many multiple offer situations as you would in the spring. If you find a home you like, you can secure a low rate and move in during the spring when the weather is nicer.

If you have any questions about our market, or are interested in buying or selling in the winter months, please give us a call or shoot us an email. We would love to assist you with all of your real estate needs!