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 […]
How Many Homes Should You See Before Buying?
Purchasing a home is among the most important financial and lifestyle moves you will make. You should see as many homes as you need to in order to be confident that you have made THE best possible purchase decision. Buying a home is a process – one that starts with certain perceptions as to your […]
Home Buying: Ya Gotta be Flexible!
All homebuyers enter the market with a budget, along with a list of “must-haves” and a list of “like-to- haves” in their next home. Buyers aim high, and they should; however, with a budget as the ultimate constraint, nearly all homebuyers realize (or come to realize) that they will have to be flexible and trade-off […]
Have a Killer Day!
A recent and horrifying home inspection left our seller-client stunned and an unwitting buyer losing a good house that she really wanted. Yes, this is a shocking story about a questionable home inspector. More importantly, the story provides insight into consumer perceptions of real estate agents and the problems that a lack of trust and […]