Money appears to be flying around everywhere as the spending spree continues to help stimulate our ailing economy. Who would have ever thought that buying an Atlanta home would be a money making venture. Thankfully that’s the case! Lately the buzz has certianly been over the $8,000 first time homebuyer tax credit courtesy of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, but you should not forget about the state tax credit for homebuyers. There appears to be a lack of coverage on this topic, and we really want to make sure that everyone knows the value of this state income tax credit as well. If you don’t know about it, you can’t claim it. I don’t know too many people who aren’t interested in a little free money!

The difference here is that the state credit is for ALL homebuyers who purchase through November 2009, regarless of whether or not this is a first home or not. Our hope originally was that the existing $8,000 federal tax credit would have been for ALL homebuyers, but it just didn’t pass through Congress that way. Don’t get me wrong, we’re happy for the first time homebuyer credit! Our business has flourished this year in the face of all the challenges because of it!

The GA buyer credit is either $1800 or 1.2% of the purchase price, whichever is less, and it’s split over 3 years. Talk to your CPA for additional details. We have a great CPA named Ari del Aguilla with Ross-Lane that we would love to put you in contact with if you don’t already have one.

The federal and state tax credits along with low interest rates and elevated inventories are helping us climb out of this mess. Buyer beware though because we are starting to experience a new level of activity including more and more multiple offer situations. In our last 22 transactions, we have had 8 mulitple offer experiences. Don’t be left behind with leftovers. If you are a first time homebuyer, realize upfront that you are one of MANY buyers right now. Everyone is looking below $300,000, and because of that, properties are moving, especially the best of the best. In addition to the Atlanta first time homebuyer market, we have helped many Atlanta homebuyers sell their existing homes and move up. A down market is a great move up market. While the prospects of taking any sort of a loss on the sale side is less than appealing, the fear of loss is quickly replaced by the thrill of gain. Don’t forget about this state of Georgia buyer tax credit!
For additional information on the State of Georgia Homebuyer Tax Credit, please click here for a link to the Governor’s office’s official press release.

With the opportunities available to today’s first time homebuyer and Atlanta homebuyer in general, it is important that you have a real estate agent who’s on your side. You need an agent that will help you make the best investment for your future while meeting your short and long term needs and goals. Andy and Lesley Peters with The Peters Company at Keller Williams Realty are proud to represent buyers in the metro Atlanta inside and outside the perimeter including Downtown Atlanta, Midtown Atlanta, Brookwood, Buckhead, Brookhaven, Decatur, Sandy Springs, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Norcross, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, Duluth, as well as other surrounding metro Atlanta areas. As homeowners and agents, we have lived and worked inside and outside the perimeter, and we appreciate the benefits of both locations. For more information about The Peters Company, visit our website at www.thepeterscompany.com. You’ll also find us on Kudzu.com where we have received well over 40 5-star reviews and are ranked as one of Atlanta’s highest rated real estate teams. Give us a call today at 770-634-2782. Whether buying or selling, it would be our pleasure to help you maximize your opportunity and take advantage of this real estate market!

We had the great pleasure of meeting Barb and Michael several months ago as they made preparations to put their home on the market as they were relocating away from Atlanta. Like many of our clients, Barb and Michael found us on the internet. They were somewhat skeptical as they had never before met us and didn’t know anything about us except from their internet research. So, they interviewed several agents. Michael and Barb needed to sell their home and sell it quickly in order to make their relocation as smooth as possible. Thankfully, they chose us and sell quickly we did. We had Michael and Barb’s home under contract in 30 days! The best part – multiple offers. Yes, we had three offers on Michael and Barb’s home.

Andy and I have always said that it will allways be a SELLER’S MARKET on a GREAT HOUSE! And, yes…this still rings true today even in our current market. If a home is in great condition and price correctly, multiple offers are still a possibility. In fact, we’ve been in 9 multiple offer situations this year on homes. It’s happening on great houses just like Michael and Barb’s beautiful Decatur home.

This home, located in the Decatur neighborhood of Great Lakes, had many positives. First and foremost, Great Lakes is in the well-known and desirable Clairemonte Elementary school district. Secondly, Great Lakes is in the heart of Decatur. Lastly, this home was just beautiful – updated kitchen with granite counters, tile backsplash, and custom cabinets; renovated master suite with dual vanities and travertine floors; gleaming antique hardwoods, and a warm flowing floorplan.

Michael and Barb were sad to leave but happy to pass the keys to the new owners who will take fantastic care of this great 1920s Decatur home! Congrats to Michael and Barb on their new adventures and to the new owners!

If you are looking to buy or sell in Decatur or Atlanta, give us a call. Metro Atlanta relocations are a pleasure for us!

Barb and Michael left us a great recommendation. See below:

” … after meeting with several realtors, we felt very good about choosing the Peters to help us with the sale of our home. Our decision paid off: Andy and Lesley were in touch frequently and were prompt in responding to our emails/calls. Their marketing strategies were well thought out, and when we had questions or suggestions, the Peters were informative and accommodating. Finally, Andy and Lesley were not only pleasant and easy to work with, but they got the job done, and they dealt with the sale of our home both professionally and ethically. Highly recommended!”

About twice a year, Andy and I will develop a HOUSE CRUSH! Yes, you heard me correctly – “house crush!” I know it may sound a little odd but we have the great pleasure of seeing some of the most beautiful homes and condos in Atlanta. It can be a dangerous encounter as we often think of moving. Our most recent house crush has been on one of our very own listings – this gorgeous, fully-furnished foreclosure condo in Park Place Buckhead!  The Problem: We’ve already SOLD it! In all seriousness, I’m not sure a family of 5 (including the dog) would be best suited for a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom condo but we can always dream, right?

Congratulations to the new buyers who got a fantastic deal and will have the most amazing view from the 27th floor every night! Can you tell I still have the CRUSH?

We see a lot of Atlanta foreclosures and many are in rotten shape!  This one was a diamond in the rough – completely renovated and fully furnished!  In addition, it was located in one of the most well-known luxury highrises – Park Place on Peachtree. Park Place, nestled amongst church row (Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, Christ the King, and St. Phillips Cathedral) and across the street from an Atlanta restaurant favorite (La Grotta) is located in the Heart of Buckhead.  It’s also in walking distance to the new Steets of Buckhead!  No doubt that these buyers got a fantastic location, beautiful condo, and exceptional deal!  CONGRATS!!!

If we can help you find or sell a luxury Buckhead condo, give us a call!

Congrats, Heather and Tim! Heather and Tim were first-time home buyers able to take advantage of these historically low interest rates and the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit. What a fantastic time to buy! They got an exceptional deal on a home in Concord Hall (desirable swim/tennis community) in Alpharetta! Don’t try and time the bottom of the real estate market – because no one can time it! And, don’t keep wasting money on rent. Take advantage of low rates and the first-time home buyer tax credit like Tim and Heather! The time to buy is NOW!