The results are in! 

2008 was a challenging year for many areas of Metro Atlanta, but Atlanta’s popular intown neighborhood, Kirkwood fared quite well overall. 

To follow is an overview of the sales activity in Kirkwood  from 2006 and 2008. 

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Information retrieved from First MLS by Kerry Lucasse on 01/04/09 and is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed.

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SO WHAT DO THE NUMBERS ACTUALLY MEAN TO YOU?

• NUMBER OF HOMES SOLD IN KIRKWOOD — The number of homes sold year over year declined 16% from 2006 to 2008, but only 3.3% from 2007 to 2008. 
• KIRKWOOD HOME PRICES — The average home price in Kirkwood spiked in 2007, partially due to a higher number of new construction home sales, high-end bungalow renovations, and the completion of the new Kirkwood Village.  The average list price AND the average sale prices in Kirkwood were much lower in 2008 due in part to the higher number of foreclosure homes.  I will say that the high quality bungalow renovations are still demanding a price similar to 2006 and 2007.  It isn’t an exact science, but quality updated homes are almost always the first to sell in any neighborhood — and even in this market, we are still seeing multiple offers.
• HOW MUCH DID SELLERS REDUCE THEIR ASKING PRICE?  The percentage of list price to sale price ratios remained fairly constant over the last three years, which tells us that sellers and their agents are doing a good job pricing the homes correctly.  Using the average percentage from 2006, if a home was listed at $300,000 the average final sales price would be $291,000.  In 2008, the $300,000 home (on average) would sell for $288,000.
• HOW LONG DID IT TAKE HOMES IN KIRKWOOD TO SELL?  The number of days that a Kirkwood home was on the market has also remained fairly stable — approximately 6% longer from 2006 to 2008.  If you are thinking about selling your home in Kirkwood — or any neighborhood — it is so important to price you home correctly the FIRST time.  Research tells us that your home will sell faster and for a higher price. 

If you have any questions about the sales data or if you would like to understand what your home is worth in today’s market, please call anytime at (404) 432.1844 or email me.

 KERRY LUCASSE   ::   KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY   ::    404.432.1844   ::    KerryLucasse@yahoo.com

**Serving Metro Atlanta and specializing in Atlanta’s Intown Neighborhoods, including Kirkwood, Oakhurst, Grant Park, Ormewood Park, East Atlanta, and Virginia Highlands

 Metro Atlanta Home Search – Marietta GA Real Estate

After MULTIPLE OFFERS , I am happy to report that this charming 4 bed / 2 bath home in East Cobb has officially SOLD for FULL PRICE!

The sellers, Eric and Susanna, worked so hard remodeling their home and it really paid off.  They were such a pleasure to work with and they took all of my recommendations and ran with them. 

I think that we received multiple offers and sold for FULL PRICE for several reasons:

• The home remodel, decor and paint colors were simple and tasteful, which appealed to a wide array of potential home buyers
• Eric & Susanna (the sellers) were very flexible with home showings and so buyers and agents were able to view the house within one hour of scheduling an appointment
• The sellers always kept the home spotless
• We PRICED the home correctly

… and of course, they hired me as their real estate agent!   My agressive marketing strategy targeted first-time home buyers, relocation specialists and local real estate agents. 

CONGRATS, SUSANNA & ERIC!  I am so happy for you both and I hope you enjoy your beautiful new loft in Midtown / Old Fourth Ward.

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Kerry Lucasse proudly serves home buyers and sellers in Metro Atlanta. If you are thinking about purchasing or selling your home in Marietta, Roswell, Smyrna, Decatur and the neighborhoods of Intown Atlanta and want to work with a local area expert, call me at (404) 432.1844.

In today’s competitive market, it is so important that you choose to work with the real estate agent who is knowledgeable in your neighborhood. I provide a results-oriented marketing plan when selling your home.  I do everything in my power to make the process of selling your home a stress-free experience.  Contact me anytime  for an in-home or phone consultation.   

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KERRY LUCASSE  ::  Keller Williams Real Estate Agent  ::   404.432.1844

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For those of you who are thinking of moving to Decatur or selling your Decatur GA home, I thought it might be helpful for you to have a snapshot of the number of active listings (homes for sale) versus the number of homes that are under contract in Decatur.

To follow is my update from the Atlanta First Multiple Listing Service (MLS).  It includes Decatur single family detached home listings for sale in Dekalb County as of November 20, 2008:

Active - 1143 Homes are currently available for sale 

See all homes for sale in Decatur

Under Contract – A total 243 homes are under contract:

• Contingency – Due Diligence - 7 Properties Found 
• Contingency – Other - 4 Properties Found
• Pending - 232 Properties Found

The Decatur real estate market has always been quite strong, thanks to the outstanding school system, the active neighborhood associations, charming neighborhoods, and the proximity to Downtown Atlanta, Emory University and the interstates.

If you are thinking about selling your Decatur home, you can see here that there is only ONE BUYER for every SIX HOMES (approx) on the market today.   To sell your home quickly and for the most money, you need to price it correctly and make sure that your home stands out from the crowd.  

If I can be of assistance and/or if you would like feedback on the current condition and value of your Decatur home, please don’t hestitate to contact me at (404) 432.1844 or email.

 

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

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