FORBES just came out with a list of the Best Cities for Singles and Atlanta GA is at the top of the list!

Over the last decade, Atlanta has been in the Top 10 Best Cities for Singles, but this year “Hotlanta” is officially #1 on the list. 

Thanks to the phenominal job market, great nightlife, charming neighborhoods and down-right friendly people, Atlanta is now tops for singles.

>> READ THE FULL FORBES ARTICLE

If you are thinking of relocating to Atlanta or Decatur Georgia, please visit the “Best Atlanta Neighborhoods” blog. You’ll be able to read about each of the many Atlanta neighborhoods and also view all of the homes currently available for sale. 

QUESTIONS?  Call me anytime at 404.432.1844.  I live, work and play in the intown Atlanta neighborhoods and would love to give you the intown tour of homes! 

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KERRY LUCASSE    ::    Atlanta Real Estate Consultant   ::    404.432.1844

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INTOWN ATLANTA NEIGHBORHOODS - FOR YOUNG FAMILIES

I work with dozens of home buyers who are relocating to Atlanta and their first question always seems to be “what are the best Atlanta neighborhoods for young people and / or young families?”

Since this is such a common question, I wanted to post it here on ATLhomesearch.com in hopes that I can help other families who are thinking about moving to the Metro Atlanta area.

If you are fairly new to Atlanta, you’ll find that every “Intown Atlanta” neighborhood in has its own unique characteristics, so I’ll be ranking them for you, using the following criteria:

Schools
Home Prices
Parks & Rec
Community
Entertainment / Nightlife
Parks, Recreation, Outdoor Facilities

Over the next two weeks, I am going to be doing a three part series, highlighting the Top Atlanta Neighborhoods for Young Families. To follow are two of the hottest Intown Atlanta neighborhoods:

DECATUR NEIGHBORHOOD DESCRIPTION: Located less than 10 minutes from Downtown Atlanta, the City of Decatur (zip code 30030) is absolutely charming. It has a Norman Rockwell appeal, but with more of an urban hip feel. The Downtown Decatur area offers a wide range of very popular restaurants and shops and the Marta transit system makes it easy to travel anywhere in Metro Atlanta. Decatur has a strong neighborhood and business associations and they organize dozens of festivals and events each year — from Wine Festivals, Arts Festivals, Book Festivals, live jazz on the Decatur Square, 5K runs, and Holiday Tour of Homes.

HOME STYLES: Older brick homes, Craftsman bungalows and cottage homes are abundant in this area. A small number of new construction homes are also available throughout Decatur.

DECATUR HOME PRICES RANGE FROM $275 - $550K for a 3 bed / 2 bath home in the City of Decatur.

DECATUR SCHOOL SYSTEM: The City of Decatur offers some of the best schools in Metro Atlanta. Oakhurst Elementary, Winnona Park Elementary and Clairemont Elementary are at the top of the list. Many home buyers choose Decatur because of the excellent school system. For more information on Decatur schools, you can visit http://www.GreatSchools.com

DECATUR NEIGHBORHOODS: If you are interested in living in the City of Decatur, I highly recommend looking in Decatur’s most popular neighborhood OAKHURST. To view the homes available in Oakhurst - Decatur, please visit: www.inOAKHURSTga.com

RATINGS FOR DECATUR:

Schools — 5 out of 5 Stars
Community — 5 out of 5 Stars
Parks & Recreation — 5 out of 5 Stars
Nightlife — 3.5 out of 5 Stars (great nightlife, but not late night — usually quiet by midnight)

VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS in ATLANTA, GEORGIA

VIRGINIA HIGHLAND NEIGHBORHOOD DESCRIPTION: “The Highlands” is probably Atlanta’s most popular neighborhood for young families and professionals. Developed in the early 1900’s, it consists of six distinct commercial “villages” alternating with short, walkable blocks of upscale shops, restaurants and pubs. The primary intersection is Virginia Ave and N. Highland Ave — hence the name!

HOME STYLES: Tudors, Craftsman Bungalows and four-square style homes are abundant in Virginia Highland. New construction luxury homes are also available, but the prices are usually going to be over $1.0M.

HOME PRICES: For a traditional 3 bed / 2 bath tudor or bungalow style home, the prices range from $450K to $700K for a renovated home in Virginia Highland (zip code 30306).

RATINGS FOR VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS:

Schools — 5 out of 5 Stars
Community — 4 out of 5 Stars
Parks & Recreation — 4 out of 5 Stars (three small parks with Piedmont Park nearby in Midtown)
Nightlife — 5 out of 5 Stars

SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOODS: Morningside, Lenox Park, Johnson Estates and Midtown Atlanta all border Virginia Highlands and are still close enough that residents can walk to the to the Virginia Highland shops and restaurants. To view ALL the homes for sale in these charming Atlanta “Intown” neighborhoods, visit: http://www.ATLhomesearch.com/Neighborhoods.html

If you have any questions about the top neighborhoods in Metro Atlanta, please don’t hestitate to call me at (404) 432.1844.  I’d be honored to show you around my favorite city!

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All the best,

Kerry Lucasse

SEE MY CLIENT FEEDBACK AT http://www.KUDZU.com  [just enter "Kerry Lucasse" into the Kudzu search bar!]

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KERRY LUCASSE    ::    Atlanta Real Estate Consultant   ::    404.432.1844

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My colleague, mortgage professional, Jason Sardi recently wrote an fantastic article with very sound advice on making the most of your credit reports and protecting your credit score. 

With all that you hear on the national news these days, people certainly have it on their minds, especially if you are planning to make a major purchase, such as a car or a new home. 

Even if you have good credit, it is critical that you are armed with as much information as possible in order to protect your credit and your credit score.

Jason’s article provides some practical advice and will be invaluable for those of you who are considering buying a home in the next 6 to 18 months. 

He also provides links to the ONLY website that truly allows you to get FREE copies of your credit report each year — with no strings attached.

Click here to read the entire article titled “It’s Free, it’s fun, it’s your credit report”

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KERRY LUCASSE    ::    Atlanta Real Estate Consultant   ::    404.432.1844

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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

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.

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

Atlanta Real Estate - Buying your first home - First time home buyers

It is a fantastic time to buy a home or condo in Atlanta — interest rates are low, prices are low and there is a fair amount of inventory on the market.  The question is… are you prepared to make that next step? 

To follow are 10 sure-fire ways to help you buy your first home:

1. Decide what you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between 2 - 3X your gross income.
 
2. Develop your home wish list. Then, prioritize the features on your list.

3. Select where you want to live. Compile a list of three or four neighborhoods you’d like to live in, taking into account items such as schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, proximity to your work, and of course, safety.

4. Start saving. Do you have enough money saved to qualify for a mortgage and cover your down payment?  Ideally, you should have 5 to 20 percent of the purchase price saved as a down payment. Also, don’t forget to factor in closing costs. Closing costs — including taxes, attorney’s fee, and transfer fees — average between 2 and 5 percent of the home price.

5. Get your credit in order. Obtain a copy of your credit report to make sure it is accurate and to correct any errors immediately. A credit report provides a history of your credit, bad debts, and any late payments
 
6. Determine your mortgage qualifications. How large of mortgage do you qualify for? Also, explore different loan options — such as 30-year or 15-year fixed mortgages or ARMs — and decide what’s best for you.

7. Get preapproved. Organize all the documentation a lender will need to preapprove you for a loan. You might need W-2 forms, copies of at least one pay stub, account numbers, and copies of two to four months of bank or credit union statements.

8. Weigh other sources of help with a down payment. Do you qualify for any special mortgage or down payment assistance programs? Check with your state and local government on down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers. Or, if you have an IRA account, you can use the money you’ve saved to buy your fist home without paying a penalty for early withdrawal.

9. Calculate the costs of homeownership. This should include property taxes, insurance, maintenance and utilities, and association fees, if applicable.

10. Contact a REALTOR®. Find an experienced REALTOR® who can help guide you through the process
 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE HOME BUYING PROCESS, CLICK HERE

If you have any questions about the Atlanta real estate market or need help determining what you can comfortably afford, please don’t hesitate to call me at 404.432.1844.  I truly enjoy working with first-time home buyers and it would be a pleasure to help you find your new Atlanta home!

Kerry Lucasse
REALTOR, Keller Williams Realty
404.432.1844
KerryLucasse@KW.com

Kirkwood Home for Sale - $237,900

As an Intown Atlanta Realtor, I see more than 25 homes each week and this Kirkwood Craftsman one REALLY stands out from the crowd!  With 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and a stunning open floor plan, you will be impressed the moment you walk in the home.  Gleaming hardwoods, master suite with well appointed master bathroom, a G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S gourmet kitchen with upscale cabinetry, granite, stainless, and a breakfast bar.  According to the MLS listing, ALL of the systems have been updated — from the electrical to HVAC to the plumbing.

Located just a few blocks from the new Kirkwood village and less than a mile to the Edgewood Retail District.  Based on the location, the expert craftsmanship, and the PRICE ($237,900), I would consider this to be one of the best values in Kirkwood.

If you are not already working with a Kirkwood Realtor and would like to schedule an appointment to view this home, please call Kerry Lucasse, Keller Williams, at 404.432.1844.

>>> View this home online at …  KIrkwood Bungalow of the Week

>>>View all the homes for sale in KIRKWOOD at:  http://www.inKIRKWOOD.com

>>>View all the homes for sale in OAKHUSRT at::  http://www.inOAKHURSTga.com

>>>Search for homes by Intown Atlanta Neighbhorhood at:  http://www.ATLhomesearch.com/neighborhoods

 If you have any quetsions about the Kirkwood neighborhood, please email  or call 404.432.1844.  I live and work in this fantastic Intown Atlanta neighborhood and know that it is an excellent real estate investment.

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As an Intown Realtor, I see more than 25 homes each week and this Kirkwood Craftsman one really stands out from the crowd!  With 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and a stunning open floor plan, you will be impressed the moment you walk in the home.  Gleaming hardwoods,  master suite, a G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S kitchen with upscale cabinetry, granite, stainless, and breakfast / den off kitchen.<p>

Located just a few blocks from the new Kirkwood village and less than a mile to the Edgewood Retail District, I would consider this to be one of the best values in Historic Kirkwood.  PRICE TAG for this Craftsman Gem –>  only $324,900

** If you are not already working with a REALTOR and would like to view this home, please call me at 404.432.1844 to schedule an appointment.

View all available homes for sale in KIRKWOOD at:   http://www.inKIRKWOOD.com

View all available homes for sale in EAST ATLANTA at:   http://www.inEastAtlanta.com

View all available homes for sale in OAKHURST at:   http://www.inOAKHURSTga.com

Just Listed - Midtown Condo across from Piedmont Park

This upscale condo is in the PERFECT Midtown Atlanta location and features period-style details with all the modern amenities.  The bathroom and kitchen were recently updated and include recessed lighting, tile counters and a breakfast bar.  The condo is actually a studio, but the (very clever) seller uses the dining room as a bedroom. 

This home also has LOW HOA dues, offers lots of storage, including a separate storage room in the basement.  Seller also purchased a parking space, so that is included in the exceptional purchase price of $124,900. 

UPDATE (June 6, 2008) — THIS CONDO SOLD in SEVEN — YES 7 — DAYS.  To find similar condos or lofts, please call Kerry Lucasse at 404.432.1844 or visit the following website(s):

>> Search for ALL Atlanta Condos and Lofts for Sale

>> View all Atlanta Condo & Loft FORECLOSURES

>> View all Intown Atlanta LOFT Foreclosures

Be sure to bookmark this page, as the Atlanta Midtown Condos for Sale under $150,000, Condo Foreclosures, and Loft Foreclosures will be updated DAILY.

Need help finding your next Intown Atlanta condominium, loft or townhouse?  We would love to be your guide!  Please call us at 404.432.1844 or visit http://www.ATLhomesearch.com

As many of you already know, I am primarily a Buyer’s Agent, so I see more than 30 homes each week and I like to share some of the ‘best buys’ in the Intown Atlanta Neighborhoods. 

This week, my DEAL OF THE WEEK, is a 3 bedroom / 2 bath renovated home in Grant Park.  The home is on Confederate, so it is a little busy, BUT you really get a LOT of house for your money!   The kitchen is fully renovated with cherry cabinets, stainless appliances and a bar that opens into the dining room.  The yard is a good size, the front porch is great and the bedrooms are medium-sized.  Since I am a “purist” when I comes to renovations, I didn’t ‘love’ some of the door choices, but that is a easy fix once you get settled in.  Overall, this home is a GREAT price and worth adding to your home search list.

If you would like to schedule an appointment to view this home, please call me at 404.432.1844.

To view all available homes for sale in Grant Park, please visit:  

www.inGrantPark.com

To view all homes for sale by Intown Atlanta neighborhoods, go to:

www.ATLhomesearch.com/neighborhoods.html

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