Real Estate Blog

Because they are the two markets Americans are most likely to invest in, the stock market and housing market are often compared. Analysts and economists will break down the numbers in an effort to decipher which is the better long-term bet for your bottom line. Most recently, David M. Blitzer, managing director and chairman of the index committee at S&P Dow Jones Indices, took a look at the past several years and compared home price increases and the stock market rebound. “Since the last recession ended in June 2009, the stock market as measured by the S&P 500 rose 136 percent to the end of August while home prices are up 23 percent,” Blitzer said. “However, home prices did not reach bottom until February 2012, almost three years later. Using the 2012

Or if I decide to sell, how long will it take to sell it?

There are 3 factors that determine the resale performance of a home: Price, Location and Condition.

"Pricing your home right, and offering something that no other homes in your price range are not, this increases your marketability.  Don’t base your price on the homes that are currently active, base it on homes that have actually sold in the last 3-6 months. These are actual numbers that Realtors can work with, and can get the actual listing price based on amenities that you have or don’t have compared to those that sold." (Kimberly Perez)

Obviously today's market presents challenges. That's why you need a full service personal consultant that is looking out for you through each step

One of the biggest questions home buyers must ask themselves - this answer will make a whole lot of difference and perhaps re-direct their home hunting.

There's many ways to estimate how much to borrow - first way is to contact a lender and get pre-approved. But perhaps, you can't wait for the banks and want to explore your options now. There's online tools for that. The John Bailey Team is happy to offer a mortgage calculator, too.

Things to consider when using an online mortgage calculator:

- Break down the mortgage into monthly payments. AND don't forget to factor in the interest— the extra fees you pay your lender for borrowing all that cash. Then, on top of that, you will also have to pay property taxes and home insurance. 

- Consider

Have you been watching the newest FX Productions hit about our city? It's appropriately called "Atlanta" and it's making headlines for its top-notch cast and talented creative team.

Atlanta depicts life in Atlanta for two cousins working through the local music scene in order to better their lives and the lives of their families. The show is shot on location. Donald Glover serves as Executive Producer, along with Paul Simms and Dianne McGunigle.

"Atlanta may be an instant hit but it's not alone. Rodney Ho at the AJC has charted the 19 networks that have produced three or more shows in Georgia since he started covering TV in 2008. It's an insane list that proves a lot of what we already know: Atlanta has been home to a heap of reality shows,

In cities, it can be a race to snag an ideal (comfortable, safe, and convenient among other needs) apartment. Spaces are limited and the demand is high. So what can one do to capture a sought-after rental home? Get smart. Act fast. And maybe be a little cut throat to beat the competition!

Here's a few insider strategies to get the odds in your favor, that you can try (and that are totally legal).

1. Look for apartment listings with bad pictures

“Bad photos or even lack of photos/floor plans will lead to less traffic to the listing, and this is when a customer is able to capitalize.”

In other words, there could be a gem disguised by those blurry, poorly lit photos." says Collin Bond, a real estate broker at Douglas Elliman. (Realtor.com)

The Atlanta BeltLine and the areas surrounding it are the most sought after neighborhoods in town. Connecting neighborhoods, drawing thousands, displaying local art, and hosting numerous events a year - it's easy to understand why so many want to be near the trail. These areas are also the most highly valued. In regards to the high home prices on the BeltLine - "The pace with which affordability is declining is much faster than anything else happening in our economy." says BeltLine CEO, Paul Morris. Morris and other city officials recently came together to discuss raising $7.5 million to encourage more affordable housing along the beloved, windy path.

About the Atlanta BeltLine -- it's "the most comprehensive revitalization effort ever undertaken

We are thrilled to show you this beautiful home! This 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom custom John Willis home is a must see.
Please visit us this Sunday and we'll show you around.

Open House Details:

When: Sunday, October 2nd | 3pm-5pm

Where: 105 Legends Walk Circle, Milton, GA

Home Features:
- Guard-gated community. 
- Original owners. 
- Home backs up to cul-del-sac- room for kids to play 
- Extensive moulding 
- Architectural Roof Shingles
- Hardwoods
- New Paint
- Carpet & Granite 
- Upgraded kitchen appliance
- Private yard
- Bedroom on main 
- Screened porch
- Master suite w/ sitting area 
- Bath-granite & new shower
- Finished basement
- Top- rated schools
- Minutes to 400 freeway & Big Creek Greenway Trail
- AMENITIES: 11 lighted tennis courts, playground, Jr.

Whether you're deciding on a move or have lived in Atlanta for years, feel like a local in no time with this handy-dandy Newcomer Guide thanks to the AJC.

This guide will turn you into a native with thorough information about the unique communities that make Atlanta special, help with municipal topics, restaurant go-to's, to even the best events not to miss. (That's Southern hospitality, right?)

As you may know, Atlanta is the economic and cultural hub of the Atlanta metropolitan area. "It also ranks 10th economically in the nation with a GDP of $276 billion. The estimated population of Atlanta in 2016 is 463,878.

According to 2015 US Census estimates, Atlanta's population is roughly 463,878 in the city, up from 456,002 in the prior year's