I saw a Facebook post late last year showing a photo of a house along with “Love this house! I put an offer in today. Hope I get it!!!” In addition to the dozens of “likes,” the comments revealed how the poster (not our client) had lost out on two other homes that she had […]
The Guaranteed Sale Program Gimmick
Most of us are familiar with Realtor ads that go something like “I guarantee I’ll sell your home in 60 days or I’ll buy it from you.” Everyone reading this post intuitively knows that these guaranteed sales programs (or GSPs) come with fine print. So what’s the deal? A GSP is, in reality, a lead […]
How Accurate is a Zestimate?
All of us are familiar with Zillow.com; perhaps the most popular real estate information web site. In addition to showing active home listings, Zillow shows publically accessible information (such as age, size, taxes and features) on homes not on the market. Included with this information is a “Zestimate” – a home value estimate derived using […]
Pick up the Phone!
Pick Up The Phone! There is a clear trend among real estate agents to replace phone conversations with more time-efficient ways of communicating between each other. Examples include email & text, electronic posting of information and outsourced scheduling of showings. While these shortcuts may make agents more productive, it often comes at the expense of […]
What’s in a Name?
I found myself thanking a listing client last week for characterizing my pricing recommendation/strategy as being “sage” advice. My gratitude came from his connecting the name “Sage” with wisdom, as I’m not sure that everyone actually makes that connection (as opposed to a bush, herb or color). Ten years ago, Jeff and I were brainstorming […]
List with Me. I Have the Buyers!
Homeowners routinely receive bulk-mailing post cards from real estate agents wanting to list their homes. I saw one recently that caused me to do a double take. ARE YOU THINKING OF SELLING? Let me get you the most money for your home I have several clients wanting to buy in your neighborhood The message, ostensibly, […]
Still Alive – The Gain on Home Sale Tax Break
With many parts of Atlanta experiencing a strong rebound in home prices, more and more sellers are once again seeing a profit from the sale of their home. Most homeowners recall that the IRS, at one time anyway, gave this gain favorable tax treatment. The tax break for the gain on the sale of a principal residence […]
Falling Tree Liability – An Ice Storm Special
Who is responsible for damage caused by a tree falling from one property on to another? It’s a good question and a common one given Atlanta’s tall trees, shallow soil and frequent thunderstorms (and the occasional ice storm). The question usually comes from a client interested in buying a home where a tree on the […]
Take Advantage of the Homestead Tax Exemption
Georgia’s homestead exemption is a property tax break for homeowners. The exemption reduces the assessed value of your home in calculating your property tax bill. The amount of the exemption and how it is applied varies by county, but all homeowners will save a few hundred to over a thousand dollars in property taxes each […]
Don’t Get Caught With Your Pants Down
Last spring and summer witnessed a home buying frenzy in the most popular north metro Atlanta neighborhoods and school districts. Going into 2013, buyer demand for homes in these areas was steadily increasing, while home inventory was at a record low. In spring and summer, demand swelled as families entered the market, determined to be […]