Light Up Dunwoody, an annual holiday tradition held at the 
Dunwoody Farmhouse, is scheduled for Sunday, November 23 from 4 - 7 pm. The Grinch will be making a special guest appearance at the Keller Williams Realty booth! The Grinch is feeling generous this season and will be giving free photo ops for you and your family!
This Dunwoody event is organized by The Dunwoody Home Owners Association and will be featuring a parade, a North Pole Playground at the Shops of Dunwoody and Burger King parking lots as well as live entertainment by: Chesnut Singers, Vanderlyn Singers & Dancers, Kingsley Singers, Peachtree Charter Majorettes & Color Guard, Dunwoody High School Marching Band, DHS Steppin Wilcats and Stage Door Players!
Mark your calendars! And I'll see you behind the lens (I will be one of the photographers at the Keller Williams Atlanta Perimeter Realty booth snapping your photo with the Grinch!)
It wasn't too long ago that having the best home on the block meant that you would get the best price on the block, too. Not so in today's Atlanta real estate market. Having the best condition and location are still very important, however, no longer do they equate to getting the best sales price.
Plain and simple, Buyers have many homes to chose from in today's market and yours must stand out amongst the competition. How do you stand out? By giving the same for less, or by giving more for the same. Take a critical and honest look at your home's condition and location, then price accordingly.
What makes a person decide to buy a home? The number one reason is that they are afraid they'll lose it. It will be gone. Sound crazy to you? Take a look at my argument and you'll see that it works for both a Sellers Market and a Buyers Market...
In a Sellers' Market, not much inventory exists and it is common to have multiple offers on the same property. When a Buyer finds a property that meets their needs and desires, they will do what it takes not to lose it. Emotion takes over and even if it means a bidding war, and, perhaps even over paying, they'll do it so as not to lose the house.
In a Buyers' Market, a lot of inventory exists. A Buyer will typically see 3 or 4 times more the the amount of homes they do as in a Sellers Market. A Buyers' Market Buyer, otherwise known as a Seymour as in see-more, is driven by logic - he wants to see everything, know everything, research everything. He will know the market like the back of his hand. He is waiting for the right house. He is reluctant to buy until he finds the one and the only way to 'capture' a Buyers' Market Buyer is to give him what he is looking for... the same for less, or, more for the same ...making him feel that your home is such a great deal that he'll likely lose your house to another buyer. That it will be gone. That scares him. Logic says this a great home at a great price. Emotion kicks in and will tell him he must make an offer so as to not lose your home.
Even in a Buyers' Market, fear of loss is the still the number one reason why people buy. Make your home that compelling case where both emotion and logic win.
How is the real estate market is the number one question we are asked, whether we are at the grocery store, at a party, at the ball fields, the tennis courts, the pool, on the phone with a friend or relative, or just walking down our very own street chatting with our neighbors. It's a question that everyone wants to know the answer...even if they are not currently selling or buying a home, they still want to know. Perhaps it is to estimate their home's current value. Or, perhaps it is wanting to have some real world interpretation of what the real estate market is doing in their own backyard vs the media's broad range of coverage through out the US.
Real estate is dynamic. Two years ago was different than today. Two years from now promises to be different from today. What do I mean by this? In any real estate market, it is important to recognize the market trends. AND how to best take advantage of these trends. In every Real Estate market, there is opportunity.
Today's current market presents many opportunities for Atlanta buyers: historically low interest rates - currently 5.5 30 year fixed, large selection of available homes to choose from for both resale and new construction, and most se
llers are willing to compromise to facilitate the sale.
Buyers today have the opportunity to afford a home or neighborhood that they previously may not have been able to afford. Buyers today have the opportunity to diversify their portfolio by buying properties as investments. Additionally, 1st Time Buyers today have the opportunity to take a $7500 federal tax credit.
Interested in creating your own opportunity? We'd love to help make it happen...contact us.
In any line of work, I would imagine that there are definite highs and lows...for me, being a Realtor, there are definite highs and definite lows. Some days are filled with a lot of stress. Those days would be the lows. I could go on about what those stresses are, but I would prefer to write this article about ‘what makes my day'...We have a client that recently purchased a home in Dunwoody, in fact she is still finishing up her unpacking and painting...making it just right for her and her family. Anyway, she emailed me to let me know she was very excited that she had just ordered a ‘lil giant ladder' (on my recommendation from one of the conversations we had had while searching for her perfect new home). And that was nice to hear, but, what was even nicer to hear was that she LOVES her new home! Well, that just made my day!
Today's Economy and Atlanta Real Estate
Categories: Atlanta Real Estate News, Market Conditions
On top of everyone's minds these last few days is the economy. Just watch a few minutes of any news report - CNN or Fox, pick up the AJC or any other paper, or check the headlines on the Internet - MSN, google or Yahoo, and you are bombarded with the bail out drama.
Regardless of which bail out plan, if any, that you prefer for the federal government to approve, there is one thing certain...Americans will always be in need of food, water, and shelter. Hence my theory that Realtors have job security being that we are as Realtors are in the business of helping people find shelter (homes, that is).
I sat down and came up with a short list of real life reasons why there will always be a need to buy homes - here they are...Are you a first time home buyer who wants to stop throwing away your money on rent? Do you want to diversify your financial portfolio and buy an investment property? Is your family expanding and you simply need more space? Are your kids in the right school district? Do you want to help the environment by living in an eco-friendly home? Did you just have a baby and need another bedroom? Are you getting married? Are you commuting too far? Are you getting transferred with your company and need to relocate? Are the kids out of the house and you don't need the space anymore? Did you just get a promotion at work and can now buy your vacation home? Or, are you getting a D?
The list goes on and on...Americans will always need a roof over their heads and we are here to help them find their roof of choice, that is, their home of choice.
Historic low interest rates on 30 year fixed mortgages and plenty of inventory to choose from make this the best time to buy a home in the past 10 years!
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How we stand out in Real Estate
We handle real estate transactions for our clients the way we would want them to be handled if we were buying or selling ourselves. We care about our clients, making sure that we understand their needs and that we exceed their expectations. Our Commitment to You As your team of Real Estate Professionals, we will guide you through the sale of your property so that you experience a smooth, easy, and stress-free real estate transaction. We'll make you ecstatic about The Bankston Group. The Team Greg and Liz are both listing specialists and buyer's agents, engaged in the market every day, knowing the properties that have sold and the ones that are not even listed yet, networking within the community to negotiate the best deals for clients. We offer mortgage advice so that our clients have the best program for their personal finances. We manage the details from scheduling inspections to making sure all the correct documents are in order for the client's closing. Out attorney is in place to answer any legal and or title questions that come up along the way. Experience · Real Estate Licensing Ranked in top 1% for closed volume in our KELLER WILLIAMS office. More than 10 years selling in the Real Estate industry. Associate Broker. Communication It's best to be proactive and to keep our clients in the know. All calls, e-mails, and text messages returned timely. Clients for Life It is our goal to have our clients for life, not simply for one sale or purchase. The only way to have clients for life is to provide stellar service. Designations · Memberships Atlanta Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, 2008 Million Dollar Club of ABR Personal Greg and Liz live in Dunwoody with their three sons, Cullen, Mac and Aidan. When not eating, breathing, and sleeping real estate, Greg can be found out on the links or in between the baselines of the tennis court. Liz enjoys little league baseball at Murphey Candler, photography, and just reading a good book. And both LOVE homes!
My name is Liz Bankston. I live in Dunwoody, Georgia. I love what I do. I have the best job there is. Being a Realtor is really like having 100 different jobs. I am a sales person, a consultant, a marketing executive, a writer, a graphic designer, a photographer, a party planner, a home staging expert, a statistics analyst, a psychiatrist, a procurement officer, a legal advisor (as in I advise you to consult an attorney), a tax preparer, an engineer, a business owner, CEO and CFO, as long as I'm giving out titles. The list goes on. Tomorrow, I may only be a taxi driver but I 'll make sure to be the best darn taxi driver there is. I'll even say that I am a tour guide. Did I mention that I am a relocation specialist?
To give you a little background about me... I am originally from Maryland. In fact, I can hardly believe that I don't live there anymore. I would have never thought I would ever move. I miss my family and friends that I have there but what I have found is that I love Atlanta. The people, the climate, and Atlanta - the city itself - offers everything you could want. From the beautiful downtown landscape to the sprawling suburbs. Rich in business, culture, and downright southern charm, Atlanta really is irresistible.
I have a wonderful family. By the way, I should have mentioned that I don't do real estate all by lonesome. My husband Greg is a Realtor and he is originally from Atlanta. We actually met through real estate - he referred a client to me. I could go on but that's a story for another day. We have three sons. All perfect, at least in a mother's eyes and I'm not biased.I was educated at The University of Maryland in College Park, MD - graduated with a BA in Speech / Communications. Have been is sales the whole time. Began with Miller Brewing, then onto AT&T. After I was vested in AT&T, I decided to leave to pursue my true passion. Homes. In 2002, I got my real estate license. I thought what a perfect fit for me since I love homes and have always thrived in sales.
Atlanta, North Atlanta, Downtown Atlanta, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Chamblee, Roswell, Alpharetta, Peachtree Corners, Marietta, Decatur, Johns Creek
I should have my head checked for trying to sell a house and buy a house in November and December. As a tax attorney, those are the two most difficult months of work for me. As I worked around the clock at work, Greg did too. He did all my leg work for me, calling around to builders, other realtors, and other references on each of the homes I liked. He was even very accommodating with my crazy schedule. I ended up with a great deal on a beautiful home. Everything worked like clock work. I love my new home and would recommend Greg and Liz Bankston to anyone looking to buy or sell a house.
Shelly E. Nixon, Esq.
Brookhaven resident
Thank you for making the purchase of my new home so easy for me. You listened to what I needed and you were able to help me find the right house. With your knowledge of Dunwoody, giving me information about the community, its schools, and proximity to all of Atlanta, I felt at ease with my home search. Your management of the inspections and coordination with my lender and attorney's office was a big burden off my shoulders. Thank you. I appreciate your hard work and look forward to referring you to my friends and family.
Roger Scott
Dunwoody resident
404-246-4677
Thank you for selling my house. I wanted to sell it on my own but when I wasn't getting many showings, I decided to list with you. That was the right decision. Your marketing enabled me to sell for my house for asking price. I closed within thirty days of listing with you. Now I am living in my new home in Brookhaven and loving it. You went the extra mile to help me find the right house. Thank you. I will recommend you to all my family and friends.
Steve Davis
Brookhaven resident
770-331-7881
Thanks for getting my house sold. You were honest with me about what I needed to do to get my house to market - from minor repairs to staging. Your advice was for the real world, no fancy double talk to just get my listing. Exactly like my friend, Joe, said you would be. With your help, I was also able to buy a house and am now living in a brand new home in Brookhaven. Again your advice and representation helped me to negotiate the best price with the builder as well as all the amenities I wanted.
I highly recommend you to all.
Dan Marfione
Brookhaven
404-925-5965
I had my house listed with another agent for six months and it didn't sell. I was frustrated and didn't know what to do. When a friend of mine said I should talk to you about listing it, I listened. I am so glad I did. You outlined exactly what I needed to get done to make my home sell. You got painters and landscapers to help. You suggested rearranging furniture and decluttering. With your marketing, my house was under contract within thirty days.
I would refer you to all my family and friends.
Thank you,
Laura Arroyo
Former Brookhaven resident
212.351.7551
My family and I wanted to take a minute and formally thank you for the great service you provided marketing our home. Your knowledge of real estate as well as your kindness and professionalism were very much appreciated. Your prompt replies to all our needs and attention to detail shows that you are a credit to your profession. We couldn't have managed without you.
Aaron and Jessica Gill
Alpharetta, GA
770.587.1444
My thanks goes to The Bankston Group. Your innovative marketing created alot of interest in my property. I was able to accomplish my goal of selling my property for the most amount of money, in the shortest amount of time, with the least amount of stress. I was very satisfied with the Bankston Group. I plan on using The Bankston Group the next time I need to sell a property and would recommend the Bankston Group to all my family and friends.
Kris Wissman
Dunwoody
770.294.1318
I worked with The Bankston Group in the winter of 2007 during the sale of one of my builds. Greg represented the buyer who purchased the home. I found Greg and his team to be professional, easy to deal with, timely, and on task. I would welcome the opportunity to work again with Greg. As a matter of fact, if all realtors that I dealt with were more like Greg, my business would be a whole lot easier. I would refer Greg and his team to anyone needing to buy or sell a home.
Tracy Harris
Atlanta residential builder for over 20 years
404.307.9005
You asked me to write a reference letter for you and I said sure. Here goes... I met you over four years ago when I was looking to buy a home. I was online searching properties so it was really by chance that I came across you. But after talking with you, I knew I had found my realtor. You were knowledgeable about the area I was looking for, had alot of patience and took the time to help me find the right house for me. You even made it enjoyable to look at all the homes. Yes, I purchased a home through you and was very happy about the process. I also found a great friend in you. Heck, why else would you have been in my wedding party this past year?
My wife, Tina, and I would recommend you and your real estate team to all our friends and family. In fact, we have already, a few times, and you have not less us down. We will continue to refer you and when we decide to move ourselves, we would have you represent us in a heartbeat.
Joe and Tina Vittorioso
404.992.6764
Ashford Park
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