ALPHARETTA GA HOMES FOR SALE – Alpharetta, Ga Real Estate

Selling (or Buying) a home in todays Real Estate Market…
written by Traci Morreale Strub – HUNTFORHOUSES@YAHOO.COM

I know the Real Estate Market look bleak right now. Sellers are thinking: “I will never be able to sell my home” and buyers are thinking: “I will never be able to get a loan in this market”. In this case, it could be perception is your reality.

Despite the constant barrage of negative Real Estate news, keep your head up. Look at it in a more positive light. After 14 years experience in Real Estate, I have seen all the ups and downs of the market and still succeeded in helping my clients buy or sell without losing. I make it a win – win situation.

The thought that homes aren’t selling is just not true. You need to understand that you have to price it right. You CAN NOT say “let put it on the market for XYZ and if we don’t get a lot of interest, we can lower the price”. That is the kiss of death.

Like most Realtors, I want to list your home! That’s what I’m here for and that’s how I get paid. BUT, I have had to turn down a listing or two because the sellers had unreal expectations. Make sure you find a Realtor who will tell it to you straight, lumps and all. Anyone can be a yes man and that is robbing you of precious time and money!

Lets move on to buyers. YES, you can get financed. Just because lenders have tightened there belts on loans doesn’t mean you can get one! Like I mentioned earlier, Mortgage applications are up and the rates have been slashed. Now is the time to buy a home! Sellers are competing for your business. You no longer have to settle.

Regardless of all the negative information floating around, there is always a silver lining. In this case, seller can sell and buyers can buy. Don’t let the reports frighten you from your dream of owning a home or upgrading to a bigger home.

I have to reiterate… find an experienced Realtor who will shoot straight. Don’t listen to the Realtor who says “I’ve done this and I’ve done that”, things are different in the market now, you need to hear “I will do this and I will do that”. Find a Realtor who’s been in the business longer than a few years. Most new Realtors have not had experience in a down market

Call or e mail me and I will tell you what your home is worth, how much we should list it for AND what improvements (if any) need to be made in order to make your home shine!

For information about Alpharetta, Real Estate, Market Trends, Events and Happenings in and around Alpharetta, please call Traci at 678-575-6735 or send an e mail to
huntforhouses@yahoo.com

Lower Fed Rate Means Opportunities on the Rise:

For the first time in more than four years, the Federal Reserve cut its Fed Funds Rate, which directly impacts millions of American borrowers. And while this important decision has many implications, there’s still some debate among experts about what this means to the economy as a whole.

The Federal Reserve meets again in six weeks, and no one is certain how market volatility and inflation concerns will affect their future policy and decision-making. Bottom line: Take advantage of this opportunity while you still can.

Call me right away.

If you’re looking to capture a lower interest rate for refinancing or buying a home, this could be your best opportunity to do so. If you have an Adjustable Rate Mortgage, while this rate cut might help to improve your situation, now is the time to refinance into a fixed-rate loan.

If you have a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or credit cards tied to the Prime Rate, the Fed’s cut in the Fed Funds Rate just put a little money in your pocket.

Borrowers waiting for a lower fixed-rate mortgage may be waiting for a long time. The chart below clearly shows how Fed Funds Rate cuts do not translate into cuts in fixed-rate mortgages. In January 2001, the Fed Funds Rate was at 6% and 30-year fixed rates averaged 7.03%. By December 2001, following 4.25% in cuts throughout the year, home loan rates were actually up to 7.07%.

For information about Alpharetta Real Estate, Market Trends, Events and Happenings in and around Alpharetta, please call Traci at 678-575-6735 or send an e mail to
huntforhouses@yahoo.com

Lower Fed Rate Means Opportunities on the Rise

For the first time in more than four years, the Federal Reserve cut its Fed Funds Rate, which directly impacts millions of American borrowers. And while this important decision has many implications, there’s still some debate among experts about what this means to the economy as a whole.

The Federal Reserve meets again in six weeks, and no one is certain how market volatility and inflation concerns will affect their future policy and decision-making. Bottom line: Take advantage of this opportunity while you still can. Call me right away.

If you’re looking to capture a lower interest rate for refinancing or buying a home, this could be your best opportunity to do so. If you have an Adjustable Rate Mortgage, while this rate cut might help to improve your situation, now is the time to refinance into a fixed-rate loan.

If you have a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or credit cards tied to the Prime Rate, the Fed’s cut in the Fed Funds Rate just put a little money in your pocket.

Borrowers waiting for a lower fixed-rate mortgage may be waiting for a long time. The chart below clearly shows how Fed Funds Rate cuts do not translate into cuts in fixed-rate mortgages. In January 2001, the Fed Funds Rate was at 6% and 30-year fixed rates averaged 7.03%. By December 2001, following 4.25% in cuts throughout the year, home loan rates were actually up to 7.07%.

Are first time home buyers fearing the worst?

The past few years home buyers were coming out of the wood work looking to purchase. Mostly first time home buyers. What has really changed? Interest rates are now the lowest they’ve been all year, there is inventory galore, sellers are eager…………….. So what is stopping people from buying?

Fear. Fear that things may get even better? My opinion is that things are pretty darn good now. Waiting may or may not be a good option for people. Once everyone figures out that now is the time to buy everything will change once again.They say it’s either a buyer’s market or a seller’s market, not both.

Here are Four Great Reasons To Buy:

If you’ve ever thought about buying a home, but decided that it was too big a financial gamble, think again. It’s possible you haven’t considered the risk of not buying a home. For the majority of working people, home ownership is the single most reliable way to achieve financial security.

Since the 90’s, overall housing prices have remained stable and mortgage interest rates have dropped dramatically. But, like many people, you may continue to think of home ownership as something beyond your reach. Here’s why that thinking could be a big mistake.

1. You may wait a long time to see rates this good again.
2. Renting deprives you of big tax breaks. Home ownership is one of the last remaining tax shelters. In the example above, Suzanne would be able to deduct about $9,000 in mortgage interest and real estate taxes on her annual tax return. She earns $30,000 a year, which puts her in the combined 31% federal and state tax bracket. Therefore, her tax savings could come to about $2,900 a year or almost an additional $250 in take – home pay each month. If she rents, she’ll get no tax breaks whatsoever.

3. You need to start small to trade up. You may feel that there will be plenty of time to get into the housing market when you feel financially secure. The problem is, you’ll probably need the profit you’ll make by selling your “starter” house to be able to afford the one that you’ll want in the future. In the last 6 years, the median price of a single-family home rose an average of nearly 8% a year, according to the National Association of Realtors.

4. Your future is going to be expensive. Financial experts generally suggest that to retire, you’ll need to build up enough in savings and investments to generate yearly income of 70 % of your pre-retirement income. That’s a tall order- and a reason to start amassing some serious capital soon.

Most importantly, a good Realtor can show you properties in your price range making your search almost effortless. Realtors who are “Buyer’s Agents” get compensation buy the selling agent, therefore it cost the buyer nothing for having representation.

If you are a thinking of purchasing a home and would like to be referred to an agent in your area you can go to http://www.gahomestore.com/ You will be asked for some basic information regarding your home search preferences. A qualified agent will then be assigned to work with you to determine what your options are.

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