Yes, the TIME IS RIGHT, if:

•     Your finances are solid (your credit score is good and you have a steady job),

•     You can afford the home you want with a conventional mortgage (you have money for a downpayment), and

•     You're buying for long haul ( you'll be there more than 2 years).

Atlanta Prices Rising

Once again, like the mythological bird, the phoenix, Atlanta has risen from the real estate ashes.  According to the most recent survey by Standard & Poors, Atlanta, and a few other cities such as Seattle, Dallas, and Charlotte are experiencing steady growth.  Atlanta home prices grew 1.4% from June, 2006 to June, 2007.  That means that you are more likely to see your home investment appreciate in value in metro Atlanta than other areas.

Huge Selection - Existing & New

Atlanta has over 110,000 properties on the market currently.  With so much selection to choose from, if you can't find what you want now, you'll probably never find it!  Sellers are ready to deal and welcome "reasonable" offers.

Builders also have record inventories so also consider new construction.  Homebuilders are offering discounts of as much as 20% and other valuable incentives, such as granite countertops, luxury appliances and in-ground pools.  The National Association of Home Builders reports that 56% of builders are offering financial incentives, up from about 45% a year ago.  In Georgia, the fees for Buyer Representation are typically paid by the Seller and a Buyer's Representative watches out for your interests - not for the Seller's or the Homebuilder's.

Come Prepared To Buy - Get Pre-Approved

Before you start to look for homes, find out from a mortgage lender what you can afford.  Ask your lender for a pre-approval letter.  This is a written guarantee that you'll get the loan for the amount you need to complete the sale.  Since the letter shows what you can afford for a mortgage, it also helps you since you'll be shopping for homes in the right price range

Speed and Confidence Can Work To Your Advantage

You can command better terms or more Seller concessions when the Seller knows you are a qualified buyer who can quickly close the deal.  By showing you are prepared and sending a copy of your pre-approval letter with your offer, the Seller will perceive it as a stronger offer.

Caution: 

Avoid contingencies if at all possible.  For example, "I need to sell my current home/condo/townhome before I can close on yours".  If contingencies are unavoidable, be certain that you can show that your home is already listed.  Sellers may ask you to forfeit your earnest money if the offer for your current home falls through!

Happy House Hunting! - Call me (678-337-3181) if I can help you find your Dream Home.