More and more sellers are forced to do a short sale in order to sell their home. Before you jump into the short sale business and list a short sale property, please sit down with your seller and ask the following questions. You want to make sure that if you DO list the property, you will be able to get it to the closing table.
MORTGAGE PAYMENT STATUS
1) Has the seller stopped making payments?
2) How many mortgages need to be negotiated... and are the mortgages held with the same lender?
3) Is the property being advertised (by the bank) for foreclosure?
CLEAR CHAIN OF TITLE
1) Are all owners still available (death, divorce, disappeared)?
2) Are there any other title issues (incorrect legal descriptions, old open loans, missing deeds) that could delay closing?
PAYOFFS
1) Estimate a reasonable date for closing when requesting payoffs
2) Watch deadlines on all payoffs (mortgages, liens, taxes, judgments) so that the numbers won't change
3) Confirm that all payoffs are in writing with payment addresses and required method of payoff (wire, cashier's check)
KERRY LUCASSE :: ATLANTA REAL ESTATE CONSULTANT :: KELLER WILLIAMS :: 404.432.1844
Atlanta Real Estate - First Time Home Buyers in Atlanta GA
Once you've found your "dream home", you and your agent will write a purchase agreement. In Georgia, the purchase and sale agreement was written by the Georgia Association of Realtors. While much of the agreement is standard, there are a few areas you and your agent can negotiate:
The Price -- What you offer on a property depends on a number of factors, including its condition, length of time on the market, buyer activity, and the urgency of the seller. While some buyers want to make a very low offer, just to see if the seller will accept, this often isn't a smart choice, because the seller may be insulted and decide not to negotiate at all. It's definitely a fine line and one that you and your agent will have to discuss at length.
Closing Costs -- You are able to ask that the seller pay a portion of your closing costs -- usually up to 3% of the purchase price -- but keep in mind that the seller may not be willing or able to significantly reduce the purchase price AND pay the closing costs. When negotiating, you have to look at the situation from the other side (the sellers side) as well.
Example: If the listing price is $300,000 and you ask for $10,000 off the purchase price and $5000 in seller paid closing costs, the seller will net $285,000 ($300k - $10k - $5k). The seller views this offer as $15,000 off the listing price. The seller's main concern is usually their bottom line.
Due Diligence Period - In Georgia, this was formerly called the "Right to Terminate Period". Usually we can negotiate 7 to 10 days to inspect the property, conduct appraisals, negotiate repairs and if you aren't satisfied with the results, you are able to terminate the agreement without penalty.
The Move-in Date -- If possible, be flexible on the possession date. Remember that most sellers need to purchase a new home after they sell their home to you, so as the buyer, if you offer the seller 24 to 72 hours to vacate the home after closing, it will be greatly appreciated by the seller and most likely, they will choose your offer over others!
Additional Property Often the seller plans on leaving major appliances in the home, however, which items stay or go is often a matter of negotiation.
Typically you will not be present at the offer presentation; we will present it to the listing agent and/or seller. The seller will then do one of the following:
• Accept the offer
• Reject the offer
• Counter the offer with changes
By far the most common is the counter offer. In these cases, your agent's experience and negotiating skills become powerful in representing your best interests. When a counter offer is presented, you and your agent will work together to review each specific area of the counter offer, making sure that you move forward with your goals in mind and ensuring that your Buyer's Agent negotiates the best possible price and terms on your behalf.
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If you have any questions about the home buying process, please email or call me anytime.
KERRY LUCASSE :: ATLANTA REAL ESTATE CONSULTANT :: 404.432.1844
Atlanta Real Estate - Oakhurst Decatur Homes for Sale
If you are searching for a home in Decatur's most popular neighborhood, Oakhurst, you have to stay on your toes! The inventory of Oakhurst homes is low and the demand is HIGH, so many homes sell in the first week or two they are on the market. If you really want to move to this neighborhood, I would recommend that you subscribe to an email notification service that will email you the moment a new Oakhurst home is on the market.
In the meantime, here are a few of the Decatur homes that were just listed in the last week:
422 FAYETTEVILLE ROAD, DECATUR, GA 30030
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$549,900 Single Family Residential 4 Bedrooms 3 Full | 1 Partial Bathrooms |
 Listing # 3890512 |
| Photo Tour (6) | | ||
331 EAST LAKE DRIVE, DECATUR, GA 30030
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$499,900 Single Family Residential 4 Bedrooms 2 Full | 1 Partial Bathrooms |
Listing # 3893759 |
| Virtual Tour | Photo Tour (12) | | ||
927 THIRD AVENUE, DECATUR, GA 30030
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$499,000 Single Family Residential 3 Bedrooms 2 Full | 1 Partial Bathrooms |
Listing # 3890205 |
| Photo Tour (8) | | ||
1412 OAKVIEW ROAD, DECATUR, GA 30030
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$485,000 Single Family Residential 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms |
Listing # 3893978 |
| Virtual Tour | Photo Tour (12) | | ||
133 MADISON AVENUE, DECATUR, GA 30030
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$349,000 Single Family Residential 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms |
Listing # 3861793 |
| Photo Tour (11) | | ||
232 4TH AVENUE, DECATUR, GA 30030
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$344,900 Single Family Residential 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms |
Listing # 3891256 |
| Photo Tour (11) | | ||
198 FELD AVE, DECATUR, GA 30030
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$339,000 Single Family Residential 3 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms |
Listing # 3890214 |
| Photo Tour (7) | | ||
211 4TH AVE, DECATUR, GA 30030
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$289,000 Single Family Residential 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms |
Listing # 3895804 |
| Photo Tour (12) | | ||
621 THIRD AVENUE, DECATUR, GA 30030
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$274,900 Single Family Residential 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms |
Listing # 3890021 |
| Photo Tour (12) | | ||
606 ADAMS STREET, DECATUR, GA 30030
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$190,000 Single Family Residential 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathrooms |
Listing # 3892328 |
TO VIEW ALL OF THE HOMES FOR SALE IN OAKHURST DECATUR, VISIT:
KERRY LUCASSE :: DECATUR REAL ESTATE CONSULTANT :: 404.432.1844
It's finally here! My favorite festival in Atlanta, the Inman Park Spring Festival and Tour of Homes.
Inman Park Festival is this weekend (April 24 - 26) and offers a something for everyone:
TOUR OF HOMES
ARTIST'S MARKET & CRAFT SHOW
THE PARADE!
There is also classic dance at the Trolley Barn, live music in the park, pony rides and a moon walk for the kids.
>> GET THE FULL SCOOP ON THE INMAN PARK FESTIVAL & TOUR OF HOMES
If you fall in love with Inman Park this weekend and are considering a move to this charming neighborhood, please call or email me anytime and I would be happy to show you around my favorite Intown Atlanta neighborhood.
VIEW ALL OF THE HOMES FOR SALE in INMAN PARK
SEARCH FOR ALL OF THE VICTORIAN STYLE HOMES in INTOWN ATLANTA
KERRY LUCASSE :: INMAN PARK ATLANTA REAL ESTATE CONSULTANT :: 404.432.1844
Get out this weekend and celebrate EARTH DAY in Atlanta!
On Saturday, April 18, Earth Day in Oakhurst's Harmony Park (at the corner of East Lake Drive and Oakview) & Community Garden Earth Day runs from 10 am - 2 pm. Free admission.
On April 18 and 19, visit Candler Park for one of their most popular events, the 5th Annual Sweetwater 420 Fest and 5K Run. This two-day festival celebrates Earth Day with live music, great food, eco-oriented activities and educational events for kids of all ages.
Admission to the Sweetwater 420 Fest is free, but those who are 21+ can purchase a wristband for $5 and sample Sweetwater beer and wine. A portion of the proceeds with benefit the Candler Park Neighborhood Assocation.
For more infromation, please visit: http://www.sweetwater420fest.com/
If you plan to visit Oakhurst or Candler Park, festival organizers recommend that you take MARTA!
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KERRY LUCASSE :: INTOWN ATLANTA REAL ESTATE : KELLER WILLIAMS :: (404) 432.1844
**Serving Atlanta's Intown Neighborhoods, including Decatur, Candler Park, Kirkwood, Oakhurst, Grant Park, and Virginia Highlands
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Serving Intown Atlanta neighborhoods, including Oakhurst, Kirkwood, Grant Park, Virginia Highland, and East Atlanta. Call KERRY today at 404.432.1844 for a Tour of Intown Neighborhoods & Homes.
As an intown Atlanta resident for almost 15 years, Kerry Lucasse has watched many of the intown neighborhoods transform into unique and vibrant communities. She developed a passion for the architecture and history of the homes and turned her passion into a career in real estate.
Kerry takes great pride in her work -- from finding that "perfect home" for first-time home buyers to assisting sellers in staging and marketing their homes to promote a quick sale.
The foundation of her business is having happy and satisfied clients for LIFE. As Kerry's client, your needs are her top priority. She makes herself available at all hours to answer your questions, offer her expertise and advice, and work diligently to guide you through a stress-free, hassle-free process. She wants you to RAVE about your experience to everyone you know!
For more information or to begin your home search, please visit:
Kerry's primary focus is the Intown Atlanta neighborhoods, including Oakhurst-Decatur, Kirkwood, Ormewood Park, East Atlanta, Grant Park, Virginia Highlands / Morningside, Inman Park and Candler Park. She is also very familar with the North Atlanta suburbs, such as Marietta, Smyrna, Dunwoody and Roswell.
Areas of Expertise include:
Accomplishments:
For more information, please visit: http://www.ATLhomesearch.com
Ansley Park
This luxurious intown neighborhood features some of Atlanta's most beautiful homes and was where author Margaret Mitchell once called home. Located just west of Piedmont Park and bordered by Piedmont Avenue and Peachtree Street, Ansley Park is considered one of Atlanta's premier neighborhoods.
--> View ALL homes for sale in Ansley Park
Brookhaven
Located on the northern edge of Buckhead, this neighborhood was originally developed around 1910 as Atlanta's first country club neighborhood. Brookhaven is an elegant enclave of large Tudor, Colonial, Georgian, and English cottage homes.
--> View homes for sale in Brookhaven
Buckhead
Buckhead is located north of downtown Atlanta and inside the Perimeter. It is one of Atlanta's busiest financial centers and features gracious and historic homes, world-class shopping centers, elegant hotels and fantastic restaurants. It has been called one of the United State's top most affluent communities.
--> View available properties in Buckhead
Buckhead area condos, lofts & townhomes for sale
Candler Park
Just 5-minutes east of Downtown Atlanta and bordering Little Five Points (L5P), this friendly neighborhood is focused on walkability and livability and is home to many talented people, great shops, bars, and everything eclectic.
--> View available properties in Candler Park
Condos, Lofts and Townhomes in the Little Points neighborhood (zip code 30307)
Decatur
Decatur is the home of several colleges, including Agnes Scott College, Columbia Theological Seminary and the south campus of Georgia Perimeter College. Older brick homes, smaller bungalows and cottage homes are abundant in this area.
--> View available properties in Decatur
Druid hills
The residences built in the Druid Hills Historic District during the early 20th century are among the finest examples of period architecture in the Atlanta metropolitan area. It is one of the most affluent residential communities in Atlanta, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Home to Callanwolde, built in 1920 for Asa Candler, the founder of Coca-Cola. And 822 Lullwater, the house used in filming "Driving Miss Daisy." Curving, winding roads circle around the Tudor, Georgian and Traditional two story style architecture.
--> View available properties in Druid Hills
East Atlanta
EAV is a diverse, friendly neighborhood with traditional neighborhood charm. It offers unique shops, services, and restaurants in a mini downtown setting. East Atlanta is one of in-town's hottest real estate markets and was called "the best kept secret in Atlanta" by the Washington Post and "the epitome of cool" by Creative Loafing. Featuring Victorians, craftsmans, post-war homes, and new construction, it is only about three miles from Downtown Atlanta (on 1-20).
--> View ALL homes for sale in EAST ATLANTA
Grant Park
One of Atlanta's oldest neighborhoods, this nationally recognized historic district includes a 131-acre green space and recreational area, and the residential neighborhoods surrounding it. Victorian-era mansions and small cottages, early 20th-century bungalows and many brick paved sidewalks characterize the neighborhood as well as popular sites such as Zoo Atlanta, the Cyclorama, and Oakland Cemetery, where local figures such as Margaret Mitchell are buried.
--> View ALL homes for sale in GRANT PARK
--> Grant Park condos, lofts and town homes for sale
Kirkwood
Kirkwood boasts a number of distinctive architectural styles, from Greek revival to gingerbread Victorian to the ever-popular craftsman bungalow of the 1920s and 30s. There is also a growing stock of new construction, much of it in the craftsman tradition. With the new "Kirkwood Station", many new businesses are setting up shop in this quaint neighborhood that is located just five miles from downtown Atlanta and less than a mile to I-20.
View ALL homes for sale in KIRKWOOD
Midtown
Just north of downtown is the city's cultural center and sanctuary for the alternative lifestyle crowd, singles and young professionals. Midtown is aptly named due to its location, being the midpoint between Downtown and Buckhead. This charming area is full of old, refurbished homes, loft and warehouse apartments and condos. Lacking the large rolling lawns and mansions of Buckhead, Midtown has its own special appeal.
--> View available properties in Midtown
Midtown Atlanta condos, lofts & townhomes
Oakhurst
Formerly one of Decatur's best-kept secrets, Oakhurst's active neighborhood association now brings in thousands of neighboring residents each year for the many festivals and events. Oakhurst offers that small-town atmosphere, with lots of parks, a variety of restaurants, and some of the finest elementary schools you'll find in Metro Atlanta.
--> View available properties in Oakhurst
Old Fourth Ward
The Old Fourth Ward is a diverse intown community rich in history with many beautifully restored Victorian and Craftsman style homes and commercial properties. The Old Fourth Ward is located just east of downtown Atlanta, east of I-75 and north of Ralph McGill Blvd.
--> View available properties in Old Fourth Ward
Ormewood Park
Nestled between Moreland Avenue and Grant Park's Boulevard Avenue, Ormewood Park has easy access to I-20 that leads east and west of Downtown Atlanta. Ormewood Park is one of Atlanta's oldest neighborhoods and features Victorians, craftsmans, post-war homes, as well as new construction in the Craftsman style.
--> View homes for sale in ORMEWOOD PARK
Peachtree Hills
One of Buckhead's coziest cottage neighborhoods. Its eclectic, mostly craftsman homes are a kaleidoscope of color, with intimate gardens and innovative fences and walls. Huge trees soar over the bungalows on the bluffs above Peachtree Creek. The neighborhood includes antiques shops and restaurants. The Lindbergh MARTA rail station is within walking distance.
View available properties in Peachtree Hills
Virginia Highlands
It is Atlanta's most popular neighborhood for shopping, dining and nightlife for young families and professionals. Developed in the early 1900's, it consists of six distinct commercial "villages" alternating with short, walkable blocks of charming bungalow homes.
--> View ALL homes for sale in Virginia Highland
Condos, lofts & townhomes in Virginia Highlands (zip code 30306)
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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
"In an impossible Midtown market, Kerry sold my condo in less than a week. Her dedication and knowledge make Kerry a force to be reckoned with. I will recommend her to all I know."
George Farkas, Midtown Atlanta
"Kerry listed and sold our home earlier this year and was a true professional throughout the entire process. She was very organized, dedicated and enthusiastic and we always felt like we were her #1 Client. When we hit a few bumps in the road with the buyer, Kerry immediately took control of the situation and resolved the problem when the buyer's agent could not... she really knows her stuff! Going forward, I will recommend Kerry to my friends, family and everyone I meet."
Martha & Jerry, Kirkwood (Intown Atlanta)
"We worked with Kerry this past summer to sell our home in Grant Park. It was a bit of a challenge with a 3-month old baby, but she was so respectful of our situation. This was our 3rd home, so we've worked with several agents, but I would have to say that Kerry out-performed them all! She was very motivated, created some beautiful marketing materials, and helped guide us through a challenging negotiation. I highly recommend Kerry and thank her for her kindness."
Michael, Grant Park (Intown Atlanta)
Great website - Fantastic Agent. I found Kerry Lucasse through her website - www.ATLhomesearch.com and I thought that the site was so well done and easy to use, that she had to be a fairly knowledgeable real estate agent - and I was right! Kerry really knew the Atlanta neighborhoods - especially Little Five Points, Grant Park, Cabbagetown and Kirkwood - and was a TREMENDOUS help to me as a tried to find a 3 bedroom home under $350k. After an extensive search of the various neighborhoods, she found the perfect home for me, at $30,000 less than I planned to spend. My dogs and I are very happy in our new home and have Miss Kerry to thank. I recommended Kerry to another co-worker and he also was very pleased with his experience. THANK YOU AGAIN!
Marc G, Kirkwood Atlanta, GA
"As a first time home buyer, I was quite confused and a bit overwhelmed when it came to buying a new home. Then I met Kerry. She made me feel at ease about the search and spent many hours helping me along the way. My search took a few months and she was patient and thorough at all times. I even went through a messy patch where I needed to terminate an offer and she was extremely helpful during this period. I absolutely love my new home and owe it all to Kerry. She made the entire process easy and extremely fun. I have recommended Kerry Lucasse to a number of my friends who were also looking for homes and condos and they too were extremely satisfied. So if you are looking for a new home, Kerry's the one!"
Jeff, East Atlanta
Kerry is the best!! Kerry exceeded our expectations from the first day. Both my husband and I are airline pilots, and it was so hard to get our schedules to match, but Kerry was always willing to do whatever it took to make it work. She really took the time to get to know us and understand what we were looking for. She was always so prepared and made each day of house hunting fun! She's also very knowledgeable and helped ease the nerves of first time home buyers. And to top it off - we ended up buying the house that Kerry recommended us to look at, even though it wasn't on our list. And we couldn't be happier!! I would definitely recommend Kerry to anyone!
Megan & Justin, Marietta
"I can't say enough about how smooth -- and FUN -- my experience was working with Kerry. She really knows the intown neighborhoods, offered me great advice throughout the process, and was very persistent during the (tough) negotiations. I will definitely work with her again!"
Christine, Oakhurst
"Please clone Kerry - we need more real estate professionals like her!"
Josh, Midtown Atlanta
After reading all of the reviews on www.Kudzu.com, I contacted Kerry Lucasse and immediately knew that I was in good hands. At our first meeting, she gave me a first-time home buyer handbook, maps, and detailed market data on the neighborhoods that I was considering - all invaluable information to a nervous first-time home buyer! She really listened to my needs and priorities and on our second outing, she showed me a home that had not even been listed yet and it was PERFECT! During the negotiations, I was a bit starry-eyed, but she really kept me grounded and we ended up negotiating a price that was much less than I expected to pay for the home. I honestly can't thank Kerry enough ....If you are looking for a home intown, CALL KERRY, you won't be disappointed!
Todd, Intown Atlanta
"Thanks so much for helping me seal the deal on my beautiful new loft - I couldn't have done it without you! You were a tremendous help and it was a real comfort as a first-time home buyer. Not only are your negotiation skills excellent, but your ability to keep everything organized was truly impressive! THANK YOU AGAIN!"
Ashley, Grant Park
TO VIEW ADDITIONAL CLIENT TESTIMONIALS, PLEASE VISIT www.KUDZU.com
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