You won’t believe your eyes. This 8th floor unit is in impeccable condition and literally looks new. Click HERE for the full page flyer.

Amazing Short Sale Opportunity in Prime Buckhead Spot! Paces 325 is the ultimate luxury destination located in the heart of Buckhead Village. Within walking distance to the grocery stores, restaurants and hot spots including ESPN Zone, Chops, Fado, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s. Let the reverse commute work for you! You’ll have easy access to the highways and byways to get anywhere quick from this intown locale whether you are travelling to Midtown, Emory, Perimeter, or the Cobb area. Your own personal concierge is on duty 24 hours per day. Other amenities include private, lighted tennis courts, a beautiful 4th floor veranda featuring a rooftop swimming pool with views of the city, grilling area, and entertaining space, a spacious media center with a bar and plasma television, a cutting edge fitness center with changing rooms and showers, a business center, and your very own assigned covered parking space (Space 041). For extra security, the elevators provide controlled access to each floor. You’ll feel like you’re living in a first class posh hotel all the time!

Better than new! This larger one bedroom floor plan features a luxurious kitchen with granite countertops and updated stainless steel appliances. The main living area and kitchen are highlighted by rich hardwood floors along with crown molding and trey ceilings in the living room. The master bathroom features a separate garden tub. Wake up to a beautiful view of Kennesaw Mountain! That’s the view from the master bedroom. The covered balcony has plenty of room for a table and chairs as you enjoy the city sights. Upgrades include remote controlled ceiling fans, a living room wired for surround sound, an arched doorway between the kitchen and the separate office area, and your own 6×4x10 climate controlled storage unit complete with custom shelves (Unit 103 in Storage Area 3 on the 3rd Floor). The laundry room includes a washer and dryer that are included in the sale of the property along with custom shelving. The condominium is wired for cable, phone and CAT5, and the condominium association dues cover internet, garbage, exterior maintenance, exterior liability, fire insurance, security, and portions of the dues go towards a healthy reserve fund.

Location. Location. Location. Being two short blocks away from Peachtree gives you a world of entertainment and restaurants, and the new “Streets of Buckhead” development is sure to reward the area with unparalleled shopping and fame. You’re going to love living in the middle of it all!

Andy and Lesley Peters with The Peters Company at Keller Williams Realty Peachtree Road are well versed in Buckhead Atlanta real estate. We represent both buyers and sellers, and we are intimately familiar with the Buckhead Atlanta foreclosure and short sale market. 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. We look forward to working with you and helping you take advantage of today’s market!

The Peters Company has just listed this fantastic buy in Decatur! Click HERE for the full page two sided flyer.

You’ll want to see this beautiful home for the location in Laurel Hills, but you’ll stay for the condition. This three bedroom one and a half bath traditional 4-sided brick ranch is decorated with cottage charm, well cared for, and in move-in ready condition. You’ll love being so close to everything inside the perimeter with easy access to downtown Decatur, CDC, Emory University and Hospital, the VA Hospital, I-85, I-285, and Highway 78. Living in Decatur is a joy, but paying those taxes is not. You’ll appreciate living close to downtown Decatur and everything this great area presents, but without the higher City of Decatur taxes. Asbury Court is a wonderfully quiet cul-de-sac street with friendly neighbors.

One of the highlights of your new home includes the updated and cook friendly cottage kitchen with new sink, oven, stove top, tile backsplash, beautiful wooden butcher block countertops, recessed lighting, custom built desk, crown molding, renovated cabinets, and custom paint. The updated full bathroom is located in the center of the home, and the master bedroom includes a convenient private half bath. You’ll find that storage space and closet space is surprisingly large for a home built in this era. The whole home is networked, and the wiring for the entertainment center in the main living room has been hidden from plain view to allow for more living space. The rich and original hardwood floors accent the home’s charm and history.

The curb appeal of this Decatur gem is obvious from the moment you drive up. The sturdy brick exterior of the home is enhanced by the large, fully fenced lot with a second fenced in area at the rear of the property perfect for your pets. You’ll enjoy outdoor entertaining on the recently sealed deck as you look out on the beautiful blooming azaleas and well manicured green grass. On those rainy days, you’ll be glad you have a two car carport, which also includes a storage space/workshop that runs the width of the carport. Pride is the first thing that comes to mind when you see this home. It’s been meticulously maintained and updated through the years both inside and out. Welcome home!

The Peters Company represents buyers and sellers in the Decatur area and all over metro Atlanta including Brookhaven, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Chamblee, and North Fulton. For more information on The Peters Company, you can visit our website or check us out on Kudzu.com where our past clients have rated and reviewed our services. If you or anyone you know is interested in this fantastic home, give us a call. We’d love to show you this home!

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!

 As I’ve mentioned before, the only way to tell if we are in a bottom is after we have ascended out of it (See diagram above on timing the market).  The supply is still outweighing the demand unfortunately.  Having said and seen all that, there’s certainly a case to be made here for improvement. 

Some are going to say that the rising tide of interest rates over the last few weeks is going to stymie any chance at a housing recovery (see LA Times article).  I can’t speak for everyone, but we are active in virtually all price ranges and we are active in the market every day.  I’ve recently fielded more than a couple phone calls  from home buyers fearing they have missed their opportunity.  Worse yet, they are afraid that if they wait further they may miss another wave of opportunities at sub-6% interest rates.  Wow!  Buyers are starting to cry about high 5% interest rates versus the 4.5-4.75% rates around the first of the year.  Fear is a powerful motivator.  It feels good to say that buyer activity is back in business.  The lower price ranges are leading the charge thanks to first time home buyer tax credits, rising levels of distressed inventory, and the fear as mentioned before (See 1Q 2009 Number Sold: by Price Range diagram below).  The results of the savage buyer activity under $200,000 should have a trickle “up” effect on the other price ranges as homeowners become displaced.  Another good sign is that multiple offer situations are back.  Whereas the fall and spring market meant the buyer was in charge, nowadays the seller has a larger pool of buyers and a better bargaining position.  I expect that trend to continue if at least for the short run.  So, are we in the bottom?  I guess your buying habits and the buying habits of those around you will tell.  It’s only a buyer’s market if you’re buying, and we know in real estate that things can’t stay depressed forever.  I think we can all agree that this is a monumental opportunity to buy real estate.  If we miss the bottom point, we are still going to be buying at a historically low water mark. 

If you have been wondering when is the right time to invest in real estate, buy your first home, or move up to that dream home you have always wanted, we can help.  The Peters Company is skilled in all price ranges, and we represent both buyers and sellers.  We have the manpower, the knowhow, and the tools neccessary to help you make the best decisions possible.  It would be our pleasure to talk with you in a no cost and no risk consultation.  You can contact us at andy@thepeterscompany.com or find more information about us at www.thepeterscompany.com.  In addition, we are proud to be one of the top rated residential real estate teams in the metro Atlanta area on Kudzu.com, where over 40 of our past clients have rated and reviewed our service.

As if first time homebuyers needed another reason to buy a home besides historically low interest rates, depressed home values, and escalated inventories, the federal government has sweetened the deal.  Currently under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, qualifying taxpayers who purchase a home before Dec. 1 receive up to $8,000, or $4,000 for married individuals filing separately.  Buyers can claim the credit either on their taxes or in some cases apply it directly at closing.

Here’s how it works:

* The $8000 Tax Credit CAN be used toward additional down payment (above the 3.5% required by FHA), closing costs and prepaids in any situation.

* The $8000 Tax Credit CAN be applied by amending the 2008 tax returns for a 2009 purchase.  The refund will have to be processed and then returned to the customer to be applied for down payment.  See www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=205416,00.html

* The $8000 Tax Credit CAN be applied to the required minimum investment of 3.5% down payment if the credit is delivered through a Government – FHA Approved Non-profit.  Since HUD is not overseeing the process of repayment, no non-profits to date have agreed to advance the money as they are unsure how they will be able to guarantee their re-payment.  A list of FHA non-profits has been attached for your review here.

NOTE: PLEASE be very cautious with the companies that are claiming to monetize the tax return as there are several companies offering this service at exorbitant rates.  Make sure you talk with your lender before you become a potential victim of fraud.

With the opportunities available to today’s first time homebuyer, 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 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 under “The Peters Company” where we have received well over 40 5-star reviews and are ranked as Atlanta’s highest rated real estate team. 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!

1407 Cortez Lane NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30319

4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms

Offered at $489,900

Click here for front of flyer. 

Click here for back of flyer.

What a pleasure it is to represent properties such as this!  If you’re looking for a move in ready home under $500,000 inside the perimeter, you have to see this home.  Listed at $489,900 this home has the square footage, condition and upgrades of homes 20% more expensive. 

Brookhaven Gardens is a small neighborhood originally constructed in the late 1990’s in the incredibly popular and fast growing Brookhaven community of unincorporated DeKalb County.  The quiet community is a refreshing setting within 1 mile of the lights, cameras and action of Buckhead.  With a great location and reduced taxes, you get the best of both worlds.  Highlights of the neighborhood include an active Homeowners Association, which acts independently and also participates within the larger Brookhaven Fields Civic Association.  Each year in the fall, Brookhaven Gardens organizes a block party filled with great pot luck and catered food, karaoke machines, pony rides, visits from the local police and fire departments giving tours of police cars and fire engines, football on TV, and other surprises.  Perhaps one of Brookhaven Gardens’ best features is also the best kept secret of the area, a small fountain filled pond, home to at least 10 beautiful and friendly ducks.  Neighbors sometimes pause for a humorous duck crossing in the street, and many are found feeding the neighborhood “pets” from their waterside decks.  The community is built around the pond, and a waterfront gazebo is a welcoming spot for visitors to feed the ducks or enjoy the sounds of the fountain.  The residents of Brookhaven Gardens love the close walking proximity to the brand new Village Place Brookhaven development on Dresden highlighted by Library Coffee, Verde Taqueria, Haven, and the highly anticipated J. Christopher’s.

Hope you are not looking for a home needing work!  This private Brookhaven residence is an incredible value with upgrades such as new carpet, a brand new roof, new granite countertops in the kitchen, and new stainless steel appliances.  From the minute you walk in, you’ll notice one fantastic feature immediately.  The home has been well cared for, and it shines.  The carpet is new, the hardwoods are rich, and the paint is neutral awaiting your custom colors.  This Brookhaven beauty is bright and open with a floor plan perfect for all styles of living.  You will find a formal living room adjacent to the dining room complete with wainscoting and large enough for the biggest of dinner parties.  The kitchen is updated and home to shiny new stainless appliances and durable granite countertops.  The main living room is a casual retreat convenient to the kitchen and filled with natural light from the backyard.  The second floor is home to four bedrooms including the master, Jack and Jill bedrooms, and a fourth guest bedroom.  In addition, the laundry room shares the second floor with all the bedrooms, making laundry days a breeze.  The master bedroom is oversized featuring a large walk-in closet and trey ceiling.  The master bathroom makes for a spa-like morning every morning with a separate shower, jetted tub, separate water closet, and double vanities.  The three additional bedrooms provide for ample space.  The fully fenced backyard is private and professionally landscaped with great space for entertaining or playing.  The neighbors are gracious and friendly, and the HOA is positively active.  The location is convenient and desirable, and this home is move in ready and waiting for you! 

Andy and Lesley Peters with The Peters Company at Keller Williams Realty Peachtree Road are well versed in Atlanta Brookhaven real estate.  In fact, we live in Brookhaven ourselves!  We represent both buyers and sellers on new construction as well as resales, and we are intimately familiar with the Brookhaven short sale and foreclosure market. For more information about The Peters Company, visit our website at www.thepeterscompany.com. You’ll also find us on Kudzu.com under “The Peters Company” 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. We look forward to working with you and helping you take advantage of today’s market!

As is customary, the Peters Company is proud to share with you the latest statistics on our Atlanta real estate market.  Whether you are a buyer or seller or just curious, we hope you find this information helpful.  We have a market consultant who provides this information for us on a quarterly basis.  While it would be impossible to provide you with the over 30 pages of metro Atlanta statistics, we felt like it would be beneficial to share with you some of the “meat” from the report.  If you have specific questions about your area or neighborhood, it would be our pleasure to share some more in depth statisics with you.  In the meantime, please keep in mind that these statistics are for the metro Atlanta area at large and represent averages for all areas.

Here’s how the individual price ranges are performing broken out by new construction and resale:

Here’s a bird’s eye view of the market:

• The number of properties listed for sale compared to the number  of properties which sold each month, illustrates the current imbalance existing between Supply (listings) and Demand (sales)
• Using a more current 3-month average of 1Q 2009 sales yields a 15.5 months’ supply, meaning that it would take more than 15 months to sell the current inventory of listings if no new listings came on the market
• A supply of more than 6 months is usually considered to be a Buyer’s market (see green line)

After reviewing all the statistics, here are The Peters Company observations:

Cumulative sales of single family detached homes were down 20.2% from 1^st Quarter 2008 and down 43% from 1Q 2007.  We’re hoping we can look back at 1^st quarter 2009 as a bottom for our market.  Fingers crossed!

Sales decreased in all price ranges except those properties under $200k which represent a large amount of foreclosures.  Only 257 homes sold between $500-750k in the ENTIRE Metro Atlanta market which includes 36 FMLS areas. 

The foreclosure market has drastically affected prices and the abundance of inventory as foreclosed properties represented 37% of all sales in the 1^st quarter.  This is unfortunate as appraisers are now also using distressed sales to appraise property which is driving down prices/appraised values.

The median sales price was down by 23.2% in the 1Q 2009 from 1Q 2008.

On average, of all the sold properties, homes are receiving about 78.6% of their original list price in a total of 178 days.  Days on market has increased about 17% since 1Q 2008. 

70% of all listings in the Metro market failed (expired or were withdrawn). 

Again and again this market is proving why you need a real estate agent on your side that KNOWS the market, KNOWS how to interpret the market, and KNOWS how to help you win.  The Peters Company is the real estate team for you.  Email us today.  www.thepeterscompany.com