If you are thinking of selling your Atlanta or Decatur home this Spring, it is more important that ever to do your homework PRIOR to pricing and listing your home.

Pricing your home correctly the FIRST time can not only get your home sold faster, it can save you thousands.  As of 3Q09, homes that price their home correctly (and didn’t have to reduce), sold their home in 27 days.

Yes,  even in this crazy real estate market, you CAN sell your home in 30 days or less!

As you’ll see in the first chart below, those Atlanta home sellers that had to reduce the price one or more times, they were on the market for 256 days… that’s almost 10 times longer.

If you think you have the patience to wait 256 days to sell your home, consider your pocketbook.  

The  sellers that priced the home correctly the first time, sold their home for 96.8% of the their listing price. 

For those sellers that wanted to “test the market” and start with a higher listing price, they ended up selling their home for 75.7% of the original list price.  

On a $300,000 home, that is a difference of more than $60,000.

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So how do you make sure that you price it correctly the FIRST time?  I would recommend the following:

1)  Interview three local Atlanta real estate agents

2)  Ask them to walk you through the neighborhood sales from the last 3 MONTHS.  The market is constantly changing, so a home that sold a year ago in your neighborhood is no longer a true comparable

3)  Understand your current competition – ask the real estate agent(s) to show you the other homes that are for sale in your neighborhood so you have a clear understanding of how your home stacks up 

4)  Get the agents honest feedback on your home’s value.  If you receive three separate opinions, you should be able to determine the fair market value for your home… and GET IT SOLD!

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 Thank you for visiting our Atlanta Real Estate Blog

Posted by:  Kerry Lucasse – Atlanta GA Real Estate Agent – Atlanta Home Search Team
The ATL Home Search Team is part of Keller Williams Realty,
specializing in Intown Atlanta and Decatur Real Estate, Foreclosures and Bungalows & Historic Homes

CALL US ANYTIME AT 404.432.1844

SEE MY CLIENT FEEDBACK AT:  http://www.KUDZU.com/merchant/1106107.html

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JUST LISTED in AUTUMN LAKE – MARIETTA!

Nestled in a cul de sac in the back of the Autumn Lake subdivision, this charming 3 bedroom / 2.5 bath home features an open floor plan, a light and bright kitchen with eat in area and a formal dining room with a French door that leads to the private, fully fenced backyard.

Upstairs you’ll find a master suite with trey ceilings, his and hers walk-in closets, and master bath with garden whirlpool tub, separate shower, linen closet, vaulted ceilings and double vanity.  In addition to the three bedrooms, there is also a BONUS ROOM that is ideal for a home office, gym or nursery.

In the Autumn Lake subdivision, you’ll find some wonderful neighbors, a neighborhood pool, and Autumn Lake itself — home to a very happy family of geese! 

Kincaid Elementary   ::  Simpson Middle School  ::  Sprayberry High School

This home is priced to sell quickly at $208,800, so if you would like to schedule an appointment to see the home, please call Kerry Lucasse at 404.432.1844.

>>>  TOUR THIS GORGEOUS MARIETTA HOME ONLINE <<<

 View ALL the homes for sale in Marietta – under $250K

Search Marietta GA homes for sale – over $250K

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Proudly Presented by:

Kerry Lucasse  ::  Atlanta Real Estate Agent & Listing Specialist  ::  Keller Williams Realty

Call Kerry anytime at 404.432.1844

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The River West Townhomes in Atlanta GA

Congrats to the Johnson’s – they just purchased their FIRST home!  After looking at single family homes, condos and townhomes for more than two months, the moment we pulled into  The River West, their eyes lit up and they knew it was the perfect place for them.

I was also impressed with The River West — it is centrally located near Vinings, Northside Drive, IBM and Cumberland Mall in Atlanta Georgia. 

Here’s a bit more about The River West

This sought-after gated townhome / condominium community is gorgeous, with professional landscaping and scenic pathways throughout (as you’ll see from the photo above!).   A few of the  amenities include:

• Onsite fitness center
• Two swimming pools
• Clubhouse
• Gated entry
• Scenic trails
• Dog run
• Individual garage (1 or 2 car) for each town home
• Fantastic location with easy access to shopping, popular restaurants, and the interstate (I-285 and I-75)

 Most of the town homes include one or two levels, hardwood floors, high ceilings, open floor plans (very stylish!), custom lighting, upscale kitchens, spacious master suites, fireplace in living room, garage, and plenty of storage!

• The 2 bedroom / 2 bath townhouses typically sell for $170,000 to $225,000
• The 1 bedroom / 1 bath condo / townhouse units are in the $140,000 to $175,000 range

As a real estate agent, I see dozens of condos and townhomes each month, and the River West Condominiums & Towhomes definitely stood out from the crowd.  If you are looking in this area, please add these to the list!

                  >>> VIEW ALL THE CONDOS / TOWNHOMES FOR SALE AT RIVER WEST <<<

                  >>> Search for ALL the Condos, Lofts & Townhomes for sale in Atlanta <<<

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  Thank you for visiting our Atlanta Real Estate Blog!

Posted by:  Kerry Lucasse – Atlanta GA Real Estate Consultant – ATL Home Search Team
The Atlanta Home Search Team is part of Keller Williams Realty,
specializing in Metro Atlanta Real Estate, Foreclosures and Townhomes / Condominiums

 CALL KERRY ANYTIME @ 404.432.1844

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This gem was JUST REDUCED $25,000

2457 Brookdale Drive | Atlanta 30345
4 BR + bonus rooms |  2.5 BA
now only $275,000

Brick Exterior | Fantastic curb appeal | Hardwoods throughout | 5^th Bedroom / Office on main level
Eat-in Kitchen |  Formal living and dining rooms  |  Spacious family room with fireplace and French doors  2-car carport that could easily be converted to garage | Wonderful neighbors  |  Seller Motivated!

Get More Information |  Virtual Tour  

Kerry Lucasse
Keller Williams Realty
3925 Peachtree Road | Atlanta, GA 30319
404.432.1844

>>  View ALL the homes for sale in Metro Atlanta

Equal Housing Opportunity. Information is believed to be accurate but not warranted.

 Summary of the First-Time Homebuyer Credit

2008: First-time home buyers would receive a tax credit of up to $7,500.  The credit would be PAID BACK to the government every year at tax time for 15 years (i.e you would pay back $500 per year). 

January thru November 2009: First time home buyers receive a tax credit of up to $8,000.  The credit DOES NOT need to be paid back.  Qualifying buyers must not make more than $75,000 per year ($150,000 for a married couple).  Buyers must PURCHASE their property by November 30, 2009.

December, 2009 thru April, 2010: First-time home buyers receive a up to $8,000 for first-time buyers, the credit DOES NOT have to be paid back.  Qualifying buyers can make up to $125,000 per year ($250,000 for a married couple).  Buyers must be UNDER CONTRACT on their home by April 30, 2010 and CLOSE (i.e. purchase) home by June 30, 2010.

A NEW INCENTIVE FOR CURRENT HOMEOWNERS (i.e. REPEAT HOME BUYERS)

Nov 7, 2009 – April 2010:  Home buyers who have lived in their home for 5 of the past 8 years can get up to $6,500 if they purchase a new home.  As above, the home buyer does NOT need to pay back the credit!  The new Federal tax credit is also known as the “Repeat Buyer” or “Move up Buyer” Tax Credit.  >>> GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TAX CREDIT

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  Thank you for visiting our Atlanta Georgia Real Estate Blog!

Posted by:  Kerry Lucasse – Atlanta GA Real Estate Agent – Atlanta Home Search Team
The ATL Home Search Team is part of Keller Williams Realty,
specializing in Intown Atlanta Real Estate, Foreclosures and Bungalows & Historic Homes

CALL US ANYTIME AT 404.432.1844

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Atlanta Real Estate – Keller Williams Realty

It’s been a fantastic year of recognition for my company, Keller Williams Realty, thanks to the dedication of the agents and the stellar leadership.

Here are just a few of the recent accolades for KW…

** Keller Williams Realty was ranked as the No. 1 real estate franchise on the 31^st Annual Franchise 500 list by Entrepreneur magazine.

** Keller Williams was also voted the Most Recognizable Brand of Real Estate Franchises for 2009 in an industry-wide survey for the Swanepoel TRENDS Report.    

** Keller Williams Realty also received the highest overall satisfaction ratings from home buyers among the largest full-service real estate firms from J.D. Power and Associates for the second year in a row.

Personally, Keller Williams has been a tremendous asset to my business, especially in a shifting market.  With the top-notch education, daily motivation and one-on-one assistance, this has been my best year in the real estate business!

If you are an Atlanta real estate agent and are thinking of making a change in 2010, please give me a call — I would love to talk with you about Keller Williams.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in 2010, I would highly recommend that you interview at least 2 or 3 agents — and be sure that at least one of those agents is with Keller Williams.  I know you’ll be impresssed!

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  Thank you for visiting our Atlanta Georgia Real Estate Blog

Posted by:  Kerry Lucasse – Atlanta GA Real Estate Agent – Atlanta Home Search Team
The ATL Home Search Team is part of Keller Williams Realty,
specializing in Intown Atlanta Real Estate, Foreclosures and Bungalows & Historic Homes

CALL US ANYTIME AT 404.432.1844

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In the heart of Downtown Decatur, on the corner of Ponce de Leon and Commerce Drive, this upscale condominium at the Artisan is officially under contract in LESS THAN 30 DAYS!

CONGRATS to Peter & Ashley!

The Artisan itself is absolutely gorgeous and offers residents secured parking, 24-hour concierge services, billiard room (overlooking Downtown Decatur), a rooftop pool, spacious club house, guest parking and of course, a location that just can’t be beat – restaurants, shops, MARTA and the Decatur Square are at your doorstep.

>>> View ALL of the condominiums for sale at The Artisan <<<

Proudly presented by:

Kerry Lucasse  ::  Decatur GA Real Estate  ::    Keller Williams Realty  ::  404.432.1844

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CONGRATS to first-time home buyers Ben & Laura!  They just purchased a bungalow in East Lake (near the popular Oakhurst Village). 

Their 1920s brick bungalow has gorgeous hardwoods, an open floor plan and a fully renovated kitchen.  It would have sold for at least $35,000 more just a few years ago, but Ben & Laura were very savvy “first timers” and immediately knew it was the perfect home for them.  

Not only do they have a gorgeous new home at an exceptional price, Laura & Ben have a low interest rate on their mortgage AND they qualify for the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit.  

If you are thinking of buying your first home, the clock is ticking!  Please don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  To qualify for the tax credit, you need to purchase your home by November 30, 2009.

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POSTED BY:  Kerry Lucasse  - Keller Williams Realty – 404.432.1844

Intown Atlanta Neighborhoods – East Lake Atlanta Homes - Oakhurst Decatur Homes

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Looking for that perfect Intown Atlanta bungalow?

Your dream home will officially be on the market later this week!