Finally, after so many years of stress and seemingly endless hand-wringing, it looks like the markets are changing. Yes, we've begun to see a move away from the deluge of REO-bank owned real estate to a slow up-tick of families looking to either get into their first home or move up into something new and improved.
No, it's not perfect yet but we're seeing those little green sprouts. Mortgage rates have stayed relatively low - although that might be changing in the next few months - so people are taking advantage of this and the fact that we have a historically low inventory of houses on the market. That means it's a sellers market. Yes, it doesn't make it easy on buyers to "negotiate" but with prices still at the lowest prices in the last decade you can get more house today then ever!
Why should I use a real estate agent? This is a question we hear regularly from people trying to sell their home. Many try to sell on their own using a For Sale By Owner sign in front and a listing on Craigslist. More often than not, they end up working with a listing agent because they realize they don't have the time to do two jobs. Their normal 8 to 5 job AND playing real estate agent trying to accommodate buyers who want to see the home at all hours.
They also realize that they just don't have the resources an agent has - especially an agent who's been in the market through thick and thin.
If you're thinking of selling your home, interview a few local agents. You can ask friends and family who they might recommend and check on line sources like Zillow or Trulia to find recommended agents.
For more information on the Atlanta market feel free to drop me a line. Visit my personal page at http://johnbreaux.gmediaagent.com/ I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have.
John Breaux, CIPS, CDPE
Investment Broker
