Brett Duffy

I have started a group on Yahoo that is to help promote the exchange of ideas specifically for the Atlanta metro area. I would love for anyone who works as an agent in Atlanta, GA to join this new group so that we can develop it as a positive influence on all of our businesses. The following is the group description:

This group is for real estate professionals in the Atlanta, GA metro area. The intent is to create a forum to exchange ideas to help each other succeed in this business. We can also exchange property haves and wants and questions about technology and other real estate related topics. In order to join you will have to provide your license number so that we can verify that you are and active agent. This is to keep this from becoming a place for people to peddle pens and crap and to ensure that it is a beneficial, business enhancing group. Join today and help improve your business.

You can apply to join by using the following link: .

Click to join SuccessfulAtlantaRealtorsExchange

When is the best time to buy a house? With many markets (including ours) reporting an abundance of homes for sale, and interest rates remaining at near 45-year historic lows, now might be one of the best times in recent history to buy. While today's real estate market does offer advantages to buyers, consumers still need to be savvy in order to get the best deal they can.

Following are some things that the professionals at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage think every homebuyer should keep in mind:

•· Don't Try to Time the Market: When home prices are lower, it is very tempting for potential buyers to try to wait as long as possible in the hopes that prices will decline even further. This strategy can be detrimental. Buyers should make offers once a home is priced at what the current market will bear. A professional sales associate can help you make an offer based upon the prices at which similar homes in the market are selling for. In a buyer's market, there are more opportunities for negotiations, but making an offer is the important first step. If you find a house you love, put your bid in and negotiate. Don't let another buyer to make an offer on the home you love.

•· Take Your Time...To A Degree: The increased supply of homes on the market gives homebuyers a great opportunity to evaluate a variety of properties. However, this does not mean that homebuyers should procrastinate. Ask your sales associate how long properly priced homes are staying on the market before going into the contract stage. This information will help you gauge the time you may have to choose a home. You may find the change in days on the market from last year is just a few days longer. Make sure your sales associate provides you a daily update on new listings so you do not miss your dream home.

•· Homes Are Selling: Don't think you are the only one looking for a new home. Properly priced homes are selling. Studies such as the recent Coldwell Banker^® Homeownership in America Index revealed that the majority of people move based on lifestyle changes, such as new job / promotion, marriage, divorce or family expansion. These lifestyle changes remain constant in good or bad markets.

•· Watch the Mortgage Rates: While interest rates have risen a little over the past two years, they are still at historically low rates; and prices have fallen slightly. This combination makes now a terrific time to buy a home. Experts predict that rates will probably inch upwards throughout the year - and as the market begins to even out, prices will start to rise. Be sure to watch the rates and do your math carefully, because changes in mortgage rates are not necessarily cost prohibitive.

•· Negotiate on the Incentives: Sellers eager to move their homes may offer you a variety of incentives such as cars, trips, and other deal sweeteners. If you accept an incentive, make sure it makes sense for you. Instead of a trip, you may opt to have the seller renovate the master bathroom or install new flooring. Of course, you can always ask the seller to just deduct that amount from the list price. Let your Coldwell Banker agent be your guide. As your Buyer's Agent, their job is to guide you through all negotiations and trade-offs to secure for you the best deal possible.

Here in Atlanta, GA we have been a Buyer's market for many years. Of course over the last 6-9 months it has become an even stronger Buyer's market and so the following advice should prove to be helpful to most of the countries sellers. I published the following article in our local magazine - InsideGwinnett.

What does it take to sell a home in a buyers' market - a fresh coat of paint or a kitchen overhaul? Lowering your asking price or offering incentives? From cosmetic to strategic, smart sellers can take advantage of a few simple tips to get the most out of their properties. Here are six strategies from the professionals at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage to securing a "sold" sign:

1. Boost your curb appeal. Though they may be obvious, cosmetic upgrades like painting and planting can truly go a long way to forming a fantastic first impression of your home. And be sure to clean, clean, clean!
2. Make big fixes where you can. If your budget allows, invest in bigger improvements. Focus on "make or break" rooms like bathrooms and kitchens, because nothing says "uninviting" like an unattractive cooking space. If your budget is limited think about smaller home improvements in these areas which could help close the deal.
3. Let the Internet work for you. Free online tools like the Coldwell Banker Home Tracker (www.coldwellbanker.com) or Home Value Estimator can assist you in gauging your property value including home improvements you have made to your home. Using online resources allows you to engage in a dialogue with your real estate broker and can assist you in setting the right price for your home.
4. Transparency is golden. Getting a preliminary professional home inspection and sharing it with potential buyers may help them understand your home's condition and reinforce your position as a trustworthy and responsible seller. You should also be clear about recent improvements you have made, and provide estimates on other optional upgrades - especially any for which you would be willing to foot the bill.
5. Go the extra mile. You can have your home pre-inspected and follow up by making necessary repairs. Allow potential buyers to see the report and receipts for the work. Offering a home warranty could also sway a buyer to purchase your home over another. Buying down mortgage rates or pay points on behalf of the buyer is another suggestion.
6. Be realistic. Selling in a buyer's market takes skill and strategy. In most markets, increased inventory has given buyers the opportunity to be selective in the home they want and the price they are willing to pay. Properly priced homes are selling and your sales associate will work with you to determine what that price should be. Also understand that it normally takes a bit longer to sell a home in buyer's market than in a seller's market.

One of the most important things to remember as a Seller in a Buyer's Market is that once you sell, you will be a Buyer. With interest rates still at all time lows, now is a great time to upgrade to a larger home. If you take a 10% hit on a $200,000 home and get a 10% gain on a $400,000 home then at the end of the day you will be ahead $20,000 ahead. Call and talk to one of our professional REALTORS today and find out exactly how you can profit from this market - Even as a SELLER!

I wanted to take a moment and speak about this great community that I have come to here in Georgia. Peachtree Corners seems to have one of the greatest community spirits I have seen in some time and I witnessed this first hand at the unvieling of the new monument marking the entrance to the community. It was a great ceremony and all the local politicians and supporters turned out to show their love of Peachtree Corners. The next time you are driving up 141 and see the rather large stone monument take a moment to contemplate all the effort and dedication that went into getting it there for you to admire. Congratulations to Peachtree Corners for continuing to project the high caliber of life that you seem to present. The photo below was taken of me and one of my top agents and a huge supporter of Peachtree Corners - Lynn Hadaway Williams.

I have to admit that the main reason for me joining this site is to try and find progressive professionals that want to work in an office environment that not only supports their high level of technology, but also allows them to thrive in any market. Of course, as I look around the site and take another breath, I realize the exposure to new ideas and information is incredible and I look forward to sharing my breadth of knowledge and experience with anyone who will listen.

I was a top agent in the top office in the city prior to becoming a managing broker, so I know what works and that is what I am looking to share with the world. Of course I share more of it with the agents in my office than I will publically, but I am willing to give you all a taste so you can see what you are missing by not being with my office.