From our quarterly magazine, Spotlight on Country Club of the South - to request your copy, please email Maura@GebhardtGroup.com.
Dear Country Club of the South Neighbors,
Having recently returned from the RE/MAX International Convention in Las Vegas and networking with other top agents, I came to the conclusion that the Atlanta real estate market is better off than many other areas of the country, but not nearly as good as we would like. According to the S & P/Case-Schiller 20 City Study, the national housing price index showed an 18.5% decline over 12 months from December 2007 to December 2008. The decline in Atlanta values was below the national average, but still registered a 12.1% decline in value. The reality is that our homes have lost value. According to a recent article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, "resale prices in Atlanta have fallen back to 2002 levels."
What does all this mean for us here in Country Club of the South?
For Sellers, this is not the time to test the market! Homes that will sell in the next year or so, will be priced competitively and will be in tip top condition. It is a "Price War and a Beauty Contest!" Buyers today have such a wide selection of homes and will definitely shop price and value. What someone paid for their home, how much they have put into it or how much they need to "get out of it" is not of concern to today's buyers.
For Buyers, it is a fantastic time to buy! With historically low interest rates and an abundant inventory, buyers, especially first time buyers and investors, should jump on the "once in a lifetime opportunity." Even current sellers, who may not get the money they would like for their current home, can definitely "make it up on the buying end."
Many of the Real Estate educators and economists at the RE/MAX Convention predict that the current market conditions will continue for at least the next year. The proposed government stimulus package should help increase the buying activity in the more moderate price ranges, but the upper range market will continue to be slow until more attractive "Jumbo" financing is available and consumer confidence is raised.
If you have questions about the current value of your home or need any assistance with other timely real estate issues, such as your contesting property tax bill or assistance with a short sale, please feel free to give me a call at (770) 751-5895 or (770) 856-8561.
Sincerely,
Our current issue (pictured above) is due out next week - keep an eye out for updated stats and articles. If you would like to receive a full copy via snail mail, please email Maura@GebhardtGroup.com and we'll send a copy out to you!
Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!
Pam Gebhardt, ABR, CRS, GRI, CLHMS, e-Pro, SRES
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097
(770) 238-0563
email: info@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/
Looking for affordable, musical fun for the whole family? Look no further than Gwinnett County's own Button Theatre and their upcoming production of the smashingly funny musical comedy, NUNSENSE.
NUNSENSE is opening this weekend, with a huge opening night party on Friday, April 10th at 8 PM - with complimentary desserts provided by Chocolate Perks, downtown Duluth's newest coffee and dessert specialty shop.
NUNSENSE is a delightful, fast-paced, slightly kooky musical about the Little Sisters of Hoboken, who are putting on a fundraiser to raise money for a very special convent project. Hilarity ensues in this lively musical extravaganza -- singing and dancing nuns? How could that NOT be funny!
Directed by Mary Carolyn Conti, with musical direction by Ginny Lockhart, the show stars, Erin Bushko, Maura Carey Neill (that's me!), Traci Davison, Jennifer Hendrickson, and Amanda Pickard.
The show continues through April 26th - Friday and Saturday nights at 8 PM, Sunday afternoons at 2 PM (no show Easter Sunday - bonus show Thursday night, April 23rd at 8 PM).
Tickets for all performances, including opening night, are $18 in advance and $20 at the door.
All performances will take place at Duluth's Red Clay Theatre - for directions and more information, please click here.
For tickets, please visit Button Theatre's website - click here - we hope to see you at the show!
Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!
Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097
(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/
Are you AVERAGE?
Do you fit the description of the "average" first-time homebuyer? Of course, "average" is just statistical, just numbers, just a calculation - we know every buyer is an exceptional buyer. But the numbers are interesting!
Thinking about buying your first home in the Atlanta area? I can help! Call me today to learn more about the home buying process and see if buying a home now is the right thing for you!
Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!
Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097
(770) 238-0595
email: Maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/
Last fall, for our "Third Annual Trick or Treat for the Troops," we sent five deployed U.S. soldiers care packages with donations from our generous friends, families, past clients and community. Each year, we've been so pleased to note that the donations have increased steadily, despite the downturn of the economy - proving that our troops are as much on everyone's minds as ever.
Last week, we were so honored to receive a special package from on of our care package recipients, Captain Jonathan R. Poyourow, who received his packages in Afghanistan. Inside the box was a beautiful United States flag, with the following certificate and letter. We are so honored to be able to bring a taste of home and a little bit of comfort to a few of our brave men and women overseas each year. We can't possibly express our gratitude to them, but we can try.
We are so honored to be able to bring a taste of home and a little bit of comfort to a few of our brave men and women overseas each year. We can't possibly express our gratitude to them, but we can try.
If you are interested in supporting our cause this year, for our Fourth Annual "Trick or Treat for the Troops," please send us an email at Maura@GebhardtGroup.com. We'd love to put you on our mailing list for this year's event and keep you updated about drop-off sites, updated lists of items needed, etc.
Thanks again to everyone who has supported us these past three years! And another big thank you to the Johns Creek Herald and Reporter Jennifer Chapman who helped us to spread the word. We couldn't done it without all of you!
Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!
Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097
(770) 238-0595
email: maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/
As REALTORS®, we look at foreclosure properties - running the gamut from decently maintained to neglected, vandalized, "trashed" - and we try to estimate their value, based on the amount of the loan foreclosed on, the neighborhood comps, the amount of work that needs to be done (is the house missing just the kitchen refrigerator, or all the toilets? does it have light fixtures? are there gaping holes in the sheetrock? was it in the middle of a renovation when it was foreclosed on?).
Our buyers look at foreclosed properties as "a deal" - the best deal out there (not always the case). Buyers ranging from first-time homebuyers to homebuying veterans believe that now is the time to buy a foreclosure. And while that can be true, it depends, of course, on the property and the buyer.
But what is the REAL cost of a foreclosure? When you see these numbers, perhaps you'll agree that foreclosures are not such a good deal after all.
According to a recent report by the Joint Economic Committee of Congress, the average cost of a single foreclosure is around $151,000, divvied up among a number of parties:
The article goes on to quote The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), whose May 2008 report stated that the lender always takes the biggest hit: "While losses can vary widely, several independent studies find them to be generally quite significant: over $50,000 per foreclosed home or as much as 30 to 60 percent of the outstanding loan balance."
To read the entire article by Ralph R. Roberts, CRS, GRI, on Reaty Times, please click here.
The advent of and the growing popularity of the short sale seems to be helping some homeowners and lenders with the crisis of spending associated with foreclosing. The impact on the neighboring home values is still there, but often to a lesser extent. Homeowners and REALTORS® alike are taking proactive steps to educate themselves on short sales to attempt to avoid foreclosure. Additionally, federal tax cuts - and even state tax cuts in some cases, are attempting to help reduce the volume of homes on the market (inlcuding foreclosures) - it seems that the stabilizing of the housing market is indeed one of the keys to our economic recovery.
Subscribe to The Gebhardt Group's Real Estate blog today!
Maura Neill, ABR, CRS, MA
The Gebhardt Group
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
10220 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097
(770) 238-0595
email: maura@GebhardtGroup.com
website: http://www.GebhardtGroup.com/
blog: http://www.GebhardtGroupBlog.com/
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Serving the North Metro Atlanta area for over 15 years! (Alpharetta, Roswell, Norcross, Cumming, Suwanee, Duluth, Peachtree Corners, Sugar Hill, Decatur, Dunwoody, Buckhead, and the *new* Johns Creek)
We are a top-producing real estate team in the North Metro Atlanta area. Comprised of four experienced agents, each with our own specialties and strengths, we work together as a cohesive team to make each client's home buying and/or selling experience the absolute best it can be. We are:
Pam Gebhardt, CRS, ABR, CRC, GRI, CLHMS, e-Pro, Associate Broker, a REALTOR® for 15 years, and her team of support staff expertly and patiently guide you through the home buying or selling process. Her clients feel that they can call on her for help or advice long after the sale is completed. She is involved in the community and knows what is going on! Her annual customer appreciation parties help her to stay in touch and show her appreciation to everyone. Specializing in Buyer Brokerage, Relocation, and Exclusive Seller Representation, Pam enjoys a business that is complimented by returning clients and referrals from past clients - a sure sign of satisfied customers!
Nancie Torrence, ABR, CRC, a REALTOR® since May 2001, she earned a BS in Education from Miami University in Oxford, OH, and is a former corporate sales executive with Fortune 500 companies. As a REALTOR® Partner with The Gebhardt Group, Nancie uses her business background to help make your experience with The Gebhardt Group effortless. In 2004, she was ranked in the Top 100 in Communities Magazine and in the top 25 RE/MAX teams. She is a member of the RE/MAX Team Platinum Club, RE/MAX Team Chairman's Club and the Million Dollar Club.
Maura Gebhardt, ABR®, REALTOR® Partner, has been with The Gebhardt Group for 7 years. She works as a Buyer Specialist and specializes in working with first-time homebuyers and enojys walking them through the process of finding and buying the perfect first home. With an MA in English Literature from Florida State University, she is also in charge of all marketing and advertising for the team, including team promotions, listing marketing, and websites. Maura writes The Gebhardt Group's blog and has recently started a new division focusing on women as homeowners and property owners, Smart, Successful Women Own Real Estate. Maura is also a member of the Million Dollar Club and the RE/MAX 100% Club.
We are The Gebhardt Group!
Deirdre Graf, ABR, e-Pro, a licensed REALTOR® and Buyer Specialist, earned her BA in Political Science from the University of New Hampshire. Her focus is to expertly guide her clients through the buying process. Deirdre's role is to monitor the market and provide up-to-date information for our clients about available properties and current trends in the marketplace. To that end, she works specifically with buyer clients to help identify their particular needs, assist in arranging mortgage financing, and negotiate offers to help you get the home you want for the best possible price. Deirdre is also a member of the Million Dollar Club.
The Gebhardt Group is a full service real estate team. We specialize in the North Metro Atlanta area, from condos and townhomes, to luxury and country club properties, with list prices ranging from $100,000 to $4.9 million. We work with buyers and sellers. We love working with relocation clients and helping them get to know the area. Our business is 90% referral-based and we are proud of that!
With specialized systems in place to help with your home buying or selling process, we take care of each detail, to make your experience the best it can be.
With cutting-edge technology in place, we make your home search easy and market your home to the highest degree. Please visit us at:
http://www.SmartSuccessfulWomen.com/
http://www.NorthAtlantaRealtyBlog.com/
With a team of four REALTORS® who are always available to answer your questions and meet your needs.
With an emphasis on education, provided in part by RE/MAX Greater Atlanta, the number one RE/MAX franchise in the world.
We pride ourselves on our top-notch client care - from the moment they become a client, through contract and closing, and beyond!
I wanted to thank you for doing such a great job on handling the sale of our home (in Country Club of the South). I have sold 7 homes and this was one of the best experiences we have had with selling real estate. The entire reason is because of how professionally you handled the entire transaction from beginning to end. ~ Bob Hasty
Thank you for the very professional way you handled the listing and selling of our son Jim's home in Cumming, GA. Jim had used other Realtors but none of them treated him with the respect and guidance you provided. Your feedback system is a great tool and we never had to guess what potential buyers thought of the property; you kept us informed and negotiated a sales price that was more than we expected to receive in such a tough market. I would tell anyone who wanted to buy or sell a home to call you FIRST! ~ Donna Hanrahan
Pam is a highly competent Realtor with a great sense for the area. She is extremely professional and has more patience than one can imagine (I had to drag her through at least 125 houses or more). She is highly responsive and is a great communicator- everything you'd ever want in a Realtor. I'm convinced that Pam was not focused on just finding us a house-she wanted to help us find a home. ~ Jeff Barna
It is a rare exception when I take the time to write a complimentary letter to recognize a professional such as yourself, but felt that your work representing me, both as a seller...and then a buyer, warrants such action on my part... I want to applaud your total dedication and professionalism. You make me always feel that I was your only client, although I know you had many others. You invested your time above and beyond what was expected, dealt with me honestly and worked on my behalf at all times. For that I thank you. You're the best of the best! ~ Nick Pierce
[Pam] goes the extra mile...no, ten miles! She services each client as if YOU are her ONLY client. It is a rare, wonderful and refreshing experience to have the opportunity to recognize superior performance and to say "Thank You" for the pleasure of our experience working with Pam to both buy and sell my home. ~ Trent Tetterton
We've owned a number of homes, in many areas of the country, so we've dealt with many Realtors. You rank right at the top. You were professional, helpful and knowledgeable. ~ S. Michael Sharp, Ph.D.
We felt you did a wonderful job in helping us get the house ready for the market and in preparing all the advertising materials. You were always there for me, by phone and in person. I can't thank you enough for your assistance and personal support. ~ Barb Alderson
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