Atlanta Real Estate - First time home buyers - Homes for Sale in ATL

As you may have heard on the news, there is now a Federal Housing Tax Credit for first-time home buyers.  This has been a bit of a mystery for a few of my first-time home buyer clients, so I thought it would be helpful to break it down for my clients and for any others thinking of buying their first home. 

FIRST, THE BASICS of the HOUSING TAX CREDIT

Thinking about buying or selling a home in Oakhurst - Decatur? 

Here is a snapshot of the September Home Sales in Oakhurst..  

• - Homes are selling for 97.3% of the list price
• - The average number of days that a home is on the market (DOM) is 71
• - The average sale price for a 3 bed / 2 bath home is $346,485
• - None of the homes were foreclosure sales 

If you have any questions about the Oakhurst home sales or would like a complimentary home analysis for your Intown Atlanta home, call me anytime at 404.432.1844.  I work and live in the Oakhurst / Kirkwood area and would be honored to help you sell your home for the maximum profit… in the shortest amount of time!

>>> View ALL the homes currently for sale in Oakhurst

>>> Get additional information about the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association

All the best,

Kerry Lucasse

Keller Williams Realty

404.432.1844

KerryLucasse@kw.com

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‘Tis the season for Holiday Tour of Homes in our Atlanta neighborhoods! 

There is quite a line up this year and several neighborhoods in Atlanta & Decatur are highlighting their most beautiful homes and celebrating the holiday season.

I’ve been able to participate in the Decatur and Virginia Highland home tours over the years, and it really is a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season.  You could spend every weekend in December visiting holiday homes in Decatur, Oakhurst, Virginia Highlands, Avondale Estates and Grant Park.

To follow are the details for each neighborhood:

 This is the 26th year of the Decatur Candlelight Holiday Tour of Homes and this year there will be a special focus on “Living Green” — most of the homes have been built or renovated in an eco-friendly manner.

DATE:  December 5 & 6

TIME:  5:30 to 9:30 pm (both days)

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.  Proceeds will benefit the Decatur Preservation Alliance and the Decatur Youth Fund.

FOR TICKETS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CLICK HERE

Presented by the Virginia-Highland Civic Association, the VaHi Tour of Homes will now include local artwork and food tasting from local restaurants, from Vine, La Tavola, Atkin’s Park, Noni’s and more. 

DATES:    December 6 & 7

TIME:      10:00 to 5:00 on Sat & 12:00 to 5:00 on Sun

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event.  Proceeds will go towards a new neighborhood park (on the corner of North Highland and St. Charles Ave).

GET MORE INFORMATION & PURCHASE TICKETS 

The GRANT PARK CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HOMES includes a full range of holiday activities, with an artist’s market, childrens workshop, caroling and even hayrides!  The Tour of Homes will feature some of Grant Park’s historic Victorian and Craftsman-bungalow homes and is sure to give you lots of ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.

DATE:    December 13 & 14

TIME:     6:00 to 10:00 pm

PLEASE NOTE:   “Let it Snow” Childrens Workshop will be from 4 - 6 pm on SAT ONLY.  The Grant Park Holiday Artists Market will run from 5 - 9 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

If you would like to do the Grant Park Candlelight Tour of Homes, the ticket prices are $12 in advance and $15 on the day of the event.  Proceeds will benefit the Grant Park Coop Preschool, Parent Network and the St. Paul United Methodist Church.  All of the other Grant Park Holiday Events are free. 

GET ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE GRANT PARK HOME TOUR & PURCHASE TICKETS 

The 16th Annual Avondale Estates Tour of Homes and Holiday Market is just down the road from Downtown Decatur and is going to be another wonderful event.  Eight homes will be featured and range in style from Classic Bungalows, cottages and new construction homes — all of the homes have been restored in keeping with the period.  In addition to the holiday homes, the Waffle House museum will also be open during the tour.  Be sure to stop by the Avondale Estates Holiday Market, as you’ll be sure to find a few special and unique gifts for friends and family.

DATE:    December 14, 2008 

Tickets for the Tour of Homes are just $12 in advance and can be purchased at several local shops around Avondale and Downtown Decatur.  You may also purchase tickets for $15 on the day of the event. 

GET ADDITIONAL HOME TOUR INFORMATION

 If you fall in love with one of these charming Atlanta Intown neighborhoods and want to view all of the homes for sale by neighborhood, please visit:

Oakhurst Decatur Homes for Sale

Virginia Highland Homes for Sale

Avondale Estates Homes for Sale

Grant Park Atlanta Homes for Sale

VIEW ALL ATLANTA NEIGHBORHOODS

Have a SAFE & HAPPY Holiday Season!

Kerry Lucasse

Real Estate Consultant, Keller Williams Realty

ATLhomesearch.com

(404) 432-1844

It can be challenging, especially if you aren’t 100% familiar with the different neighborhoods, zip codes, price ranges, etc.

To keep things simple, I’ve created an Intown Atlanta Home Search “Cheat Sheet“.   Read below for information on each of the popular neighborhoods and also a direct link to homes for sale in each Atlanta Intown neighborhood.

CLICK HERE to view each of the Intown Atlanta neighborhoods, get information on each and search for all the available homes in that area.

If you don’t find what you are looking for, you can also try searching for homes by Atlanta subdivisions.

Call me anytime with questions — I work with many people who are relocating to Atlanta and would be honored to assist you.

All the best,

Kerry Lucasse

Atlanta Real Estate Agent & Relocation Specialist

404.432.1844

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Atlanta Real Estate - Buying a home in Atlanta GA

Before you make an offer on a home, make sure you get pre-qualified and find a loan that fits your needs with these comprehensive questions.

1. What are the most popular mortgage loans you make? Why?

2. Which type of mortgage plan do you think would best for us? Why?

3. Are your rates, terms, fees, and closing costs negotiable?

4. Will I have to buy private mortgage insurance? If so how much will it cost and how long will it be required? NOTE: Private mortgage insurance is usually required if you make less than a 20-percent downpayment, but most lenders will let you discontinue the policy when you’ve acquired a certain amount of equity by paying down the loan.

5. Who will service the loan? Your bank or another company?

6. What escrow requirements do you have?

7. How long is your loan lock-in period (the time that the quoted interest rate will be honored)? Will I be able to obtain a lower rate if they drop during this period?

8. How long will the loan approval process take?

9. How long will it take to close the loan?

10. Are there any charges or penalties for prepaying the loan?

The lender must disclose a good faith estimate of all settlement costs. A check to cover your closing costs will probably have to be a cashier’s check. The title company or other entity conducting the closing will tell you the required amount for:

• Downpayment.
• Loan origination fees.
• Points, or loan discount fees you pay to receive a lower interest rate.
• Appraisal fee.
• Credit report.
• Private mortgage insurance premium.
• Insurance escrow for homeowners insurance, if being paid as part of the mortgage.
• Property tax escrow, if being paid as part of the mortgage. Lenders keep funds for taxes and insurance in escrow accounts as they are paid with the mortgage, then pay the insurance or taxes for you.
• Deed recording fees.
• Title insurance policy premiums.
• Survey.
• Inspection fees-building inspection, termites, etc.
• Notary fees.
• Prorations for your share of costs such as utility bills and property taxes.

A Note About Prorations. Because such costs are usually paid on either a monthly or yearly basis, you might have to pay a bill for services used by the sellers before they moved. Proration is a way for the sellers to pay you back or for you to pay them for bills they may have paid in advance. For example, the gas company usually sends a bill each month for the gas used during the previous month. But assume you buy the home on the 6th of the month. You would owe the gas company for only the days from the 6th to the end for the month. The seller would owe for the first 5 days. The bill would be prorated for the number of days in the month, and then each person would be responsible for the days of his or her ownership.

What to Keep From Your Closing

• The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) statement. This form, sometimes called a HUD 1 statement, itemizes all the costs associated with the closing. You’ll need for income tax purposes and when you sell the home.
• The Truth in Lending Statement summarizes the terms of your mortgage loan.
• The mortgage and the note (two pieces of paper) spell out the legal terms of your mortgage obligation and the agreed-upon repayment terms.
• The deed transfers ownership of the property to you.
• Affidavits swearing to various statements by either party. For example, the sellers will often sign an affidavit stating that they have not incurred any liens on the property.
• Riders are amendments to the sales contract that affect your rights. For example, if you buy a condominium, you may have a rider outline the condo association’s rules and restrictions.
• Insurance policies provide a record and proof of your coverage.

If you are looking for a knowledgeable — and very honest — Atlanta real estate agent, please don’t hestitate to call me at 404.432.1844. 

All the best,

Kerry Lucsse

Intown Atlanta Real Estate Consultant

Keller Williams Peachtree Road

(404) 432 1844

** Metro Atlanta real estate agent, specializing in the Atlanta Intown neighborhoods, including Grant Park, Virginia Highlands, Kirkwood, East Atlanta and Druid Hills.

I will be out of town for one of my favorite Intown Atlanta Fall Festivals, but I didn’t want you to miss out on all the fun…

The “Chomp & Stomp” in Cabbagetown brings in quite a crowd each year and is truly a unique experience. 

This will be Cabbagetown’s 5th Annual Chili Cook-off & Bluegrass Festival and there is definitely a little something for everyone:

• 5K Run (AM)
• Live Bluegrass Music all day
• Artists Market
• And of course, lots and lots of CHILI!

The festival will be in the Cabbagetown Park on November 8th from 10 am to 8pm.

*** Proceeds go toward maintenance of the Cabbagetown Park and community center.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:  http://www.chompandstomp.com/

THINKING OF MOVING TO THIS UNIQUE INTOWN ATLANTA NEIGHBORHOOD?

>>> View ALL of the homes for sale in CABBAGETOWN

 For more information about Cabbagetown or any other intown Atlanta neighborhood, please call anytime.

All the best,

Kerry Lucasse

Intown Atlanta Real Estate Consultant  :   Keller Williams Realty    :    404.432.1844

Atlanta Real Estate - Homes for Sale in Metro Atlanta GA

I just returned from the closing attorney’s office and I AM SO PLEASED to say that my client and I just completed a VERY successful house trade.

Here’s a bit of background…

I’ve been working with a local home builder in Marietta for the last year and due to the declining market, we were having trouble selling one of his homes at a price that would allow him to break even.

As many of my fellow Active Rainers know, I do my best thinking (and blogging) at about 2 am.  It was at this late hour that I had one of those “light bulb moments” and came up with the idea of trading properties.  After proposing this to my client, he was a bit skeptical, but said that I could give it a try.  Within TWO weeks, we had a perfect candidate for a property trade.

THE BUYER SOLD US THIS HOUSE…

 AND UPGRADED TO THIS HOUSE….                                         

The Seller received 2% over the asking price for his new construction home, which he was thrilled about!

We put the “trade” house on the market and within 60 days, I was able to sell the ”trade” home at approximately 98% of the list price. 

It was definitely a “WIN WIN” for both parties.  The buyer was able to upgrade to a new home without having to worry about selling his home — which would have been difficult with three children, an infant and an aging grandmother — and my client was able to make a small profit on his home and break even on the ”trade” property.

 If you are looking for a creative real estate agent who will go above and beyond to sell your Atlanta home, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (404) 432 1844.  I specialize in the Intown Atlanta neighborhoods and also work regularly in Marietta, Roswell, Smyrna and Dunwoody. 

I would be honored to assist you and your family.

All the best,

Kerry Lucasse

Real Estate Consultant / Atlanta Listing Specialist

Keller Williams Realty

(404) 432.1844

KerryLucasse@kw.com

VIEW MY CLIENT TESTIMONIALS AT KUDZU.com

As a real estate consultant in Metro Atlanta, my job is to ensure that my clients are armed with as much information as possible in order to make an informed decision when purchasing a new home.  I want my first-time home buyers to be 100% comfortable with their decision today… and in the years to come.

The most important question for a new home buyer is usually “How much will this cost?”

 This may vary from state-to-state, but here is the breakdown for Georgia home buyers:

1)  Earnest Money………….Typically 1% of the purchase price

     ** Due when you submit your offer on a home

2)  HOME INSPECTION……………………………..$375 - $500

3)  HOME APPRAISAL………………………………….$300 - $375

4) LOAN APPLICATION FEE / CREDIT CHECK………………… Varies by Lender

5) TERMITE INSPECTION (optional, but recommended)……. $45 - $75

6) LOW-FLOW PLUMBING CERTIFICATE (Dekalb County)…. $75

***  TOTAL (ESTIMATED) COST FOR A $300,000 HOME –>  $3,800 ***

Once the home has been inspected, appraised and approved by the lender, there are costs AT CLOSING. 

CLOSING COSTS are really in two fee categories — Closing Costs and Prepaid Items

1) CLOSING COSTS include the loan origination fee (usually1% of the purchase price), title examination, title insurance, courier fees, transfer tax, intangibles tax and other miscellaneous fees. 

2) PREPAID FEES include costs to set up your escrow account with the lender and include homeowners insurance, property taxes, and homeowners association dues (if any).  Usually your new lender will want 2 - 6 months of reserves in the escrow account, just in case you do not pay your mortgage, they will still be able to insure the home and pay the property taxes.

Typically, the closing costs and prepaid items add up to 2 - 4% of the purchase price.  Using my $300,000 example above, the closing costs would be $6,000 to $12,000.  It just depends on how much you are financing, if you pay for discount points (to decrease your interest rate), etc.  For an accurate breakdown of your closing costs, ask your loan officer or mortgage broker for a “Good Faith Estimate.”

THE GOOD NEWS — When you negotiate your offer on the home, you can also ask that the seller pay a portion of the closing costs and pre-paid items.

If you have any questions about the home-buying process, please don’t hestitate to call me at 404.432.1844 or visit my website at http://www.ATLhomesearch.com

All the best,

Kerry Lucasse

Real Estate Consultant, Keller Williams Realty

KerryLucasse@KW.com

404.432.1844

Announcing the FIRST annual HallowPalooza in the Kirkwood Village!

Created by the Kirkwood Business Owners’ Association, “HallowPalooza” has a little something for EVERYONE — kids, moms, dads, and even dogs & cats!

WHEN:  Friday, October 31st (of course!) from 5 - 8 pm

WHERE:  Downtown Kirkwood

DETAILS:  Local Businesses in the Downtown Kirkwood district are offering games, contests and treats for all the goblins and ghouls.

For the truly artistic, Gitche Ya Ya is having a pumpkin decorating contest from 3 - 6 pm.  Other businesses (Le Petite Marche, Augusta Designs, Mission Motif and PB&J) will be offering sales and specials and candy and games for the kids.

Have a great costume?  At 6 pm, kids can show off their outfits at the Urban Pie costume contest.  At 7 pm, your furry “children” can join in on their own costume contest at the Kirkwood Feed & Seed.  For the adults, stop by Ace’s Bar & Grill at 8 pm.   All costume contests are free to enter and prizes will be awarded.

For more information please visit kirkwoodbiz.com

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE KIRKWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD, please call anytime. 

To search for ALL available homes in Kirkwood, please visit:  http://www.inKIRKWOOD.com

Have a safe & happy Halloween!

Kerry Lucasse

Kirkwood Real Estate Consultant — Keller Williams Realty

inKIRKWOOD.com

404.432.1844

KerryLucasse@kw.com

Decatur GA Real Estate - Oakhurst Homes

Thanks to the phenomenal Decatur GA school system and the outstanding Oakhurst Neighborhood Association, the home sales in Oakhurst have been very stable.  Even with all the “doom and gloom” on the national news, this quaint little neighborhood just outside of Downtown Decatur is doing very well…

• Homes are selling for 98% of the list price
• The average number of days that a home is on the market (DOM) is 65
• The average sale price for a 3 bed / 2 bath home is $340,880
• FULL report available upon request

If you have any questions about the Oakhurst home sales or if you are considering a move to the Decatur area, please contact me, Kerry Lucasse at 404.432.1844.  I work and live in the Oakhurst / Kirkwood area and would love to give you a tour of the Intown Atlanta neighborhoods!

>>> View ALL the homes currently for sale in Oakhurst

or

>>> Search for homes by Intown Atlanta Neighborhoods

or

>>> Get additional information about the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association

Atlanta Lofts & Condos for Sale

The latest phase of Arizona Lofts — called AZ2 — has achieved the next level of sophistication in loft living.  With 11 foot ceilings, floor to ceiling windows and truly gourmet kitchens,  each floor plan is impressive.  Additional features in most units include:

- Sealed concrete floors or hardwood/carpeting

- BOSCH stainless appliance package

- Thick granite in kitchen and bathrooms

- Walk-in closets

- Patios/balconies with access from master suite

- Plenty of storage space

- Freestanding soaking tub in master bath

Amenities include state of the art fitness center, controlled access, two saltwater pools, and a rooftop deck with spectacular city views.

>>> VIEW THE AVAILABLE LOFTS FOR SALE in AZ2

I have to say that the original Arizona Lofts are also fantastic with great floorplans, unique details, and many of the same amenities as the new AZ2 development.

>>> VIEW ALL LOFTS FOR SALE in the original Arizona Lofts

QUESTIONS about the Arizona Lofts?  Call the Intown Atlanta Loft Experts at 404.432.1844.  We would be honored to assist you with all of your real estate needs.\

To search for Atlanta lofts for sale by complex or development, go to: 

http://www.ATLhomesearch.com/LOFTSandCONDOS.html

LOOKING FOR A GREAT DEAL?  Check out our Atlanta LOFT FORECLOSURES page.

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Take a drive up the beautiful (new) winding driveway to this updated colonial-style home in the Walton School District.

Inside you’ll find spacious rooms, with plenty of space for entertaining in the living room, the formal dining room, and the family room with french doors leading out to a new patio.

Once entering the home, you’ll find that this traditional-style home is actually a tri-level design, with the kitchen, living and dining room on the main floor, the family room and master suite a few steps up and then three bedrooms and a spacious bathroom on the upper level.

During the last few years, this home has received multiple updates & upgrades, including new systems (HVAC), plumbing, asphalt driveway, roof, patio, flagstone walkways, professional landscaping, garage, hardwoods, light fixtures and bathrooms. With fresh paint inside and out, this home has been meticulously maintained.

>>>  View more photos of this home  >>>>

For more information or to schedule a showing, please call Kerry Lucasse, Keller Williams Realty, at 404.432.1844. You will not be disappointed!