Jennifer Mandich

Exploring The Best Things To Do In Decatur GA

Decatur / By

What Are Some Of The Best Things To Do In Decatur, GA?

Decatur might be a small town, but it sure packs a punch when it comes to things to do. Whether you’re in the mood for getting some great food, buying something new at one of the local shops, or some great outdoor adventures, Decatur has something for everyone, whether it be by yourself or with the entire family.

It’s the kind of place where you can spend the day wandering around and always stumble upon something fun and exciting. Let’s dive into some of the best ways to explore Decatur.

Read more on some great things to do in Decatur…

some things to do in Decatur GA

Dining and Restaurants

One of the first things you’ll notice about Decatur is the food scene. It’s got everything from laid-back spots for casual bites to upscale restaurants for a fancy night out.

If you’re looking for a truly memorable meal, stop by The Iberian Pig. This Spanish-inspired restaurant serves up incredible tapas that are perfect for sharing.

The Kimball House is another fantastic place to try! This restaurant is housed in an old railroad station! If you are a seafood lover, they have plenty of it on the menu.

No. 246 is another can’t-miss spot for Italian food lovers, offering fresh, seasonal ingredients in a relaxed, yet chic, setting.

These are just a few of Decatur’s great restaurants with something for everyone!

Check out this short vid on the Iberian Pig -

Breweries and Coffee Shops

If you’re into craft beer or need your caffeine fix, Decatur has you covered.

Breweries like Three Taverns and Wild Heaven Beer are great places to hang out, sip on local brews, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. If you’re into old cars, Three Taverns has an old panel wagon painted up with their logo outside. Both spots have a loyal following and frequently host events, so there’s always something happening.

On the coffee front, Dancing Goats Coffee Bar is a local favorite, known for its excellent coffee and cozy vibe. Whether you’re grabbing a quick cup to go or meeting up with friends, it’s a great spot to kickstart your day.

Decatur Square

Just like almost every major city in Georgia, there is a vibrant square in the middle of town, and Decatur is no different.

Decatur Square is really the heart of the city, and if you’re looking for things to do, this is where you’ll find a lot of the action. It’s surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it the perfect place for a leisurely afternoon.

You can start by checking out the local boutiques and grabbing a coffee to stroll around the square. On weekends, there’s often a farmers market (who can’t appreciate some fresh fruits and vegetables?!) or local artisans setting up booths, so you never know what kind of treasures you might find.

And if you’re a people-watcher, this is prime real estate for relaxing and soaking in the local atmosphere.

Arts and Culture

If you’re into arts and culture, Decatur has a lot to offer.

One of the best-known spots for live music is Eddie’s Attic, a cozy venue where both up-and-coming and established musicians perform. It’s the kind of place where you can catch an intimate acoustic set and maybe even discover your next favorite artist.

For those more into visual arts, Decatur also has plenty of galleries showcasing local artists, making it a great destination for art lovers. Some of these galleries include the Sycamore Place Gallery, The Black Art Depot and the Dalton Gallery. Be sure and check them out!

Outdoor Activities and Parks

When the weather’s nice, Decatur’s parks are the perfect place to enjoy some fresh air.

Glenlake Park is a favorite for families, with playgrounds, tennis courts, and walking trails. They even have picnic tables so you and the family can pack a lunch and spend the entire day there checking it out. They even have a swimming pool!

If you’re looking for something a little quieter, check out the Decatur Legacy Park, which offers peaceful green space for a relaxing afternoon. The park features many historical buildings that date back to the early 1900’s, with some incredible architecture. 

Decatur is also super walkable, so if you’re in the mood for a scenic stroll, you can explore the city’s charming neighborhoods, all while staying close to the downtown action.

Here's a vid about Glenlake Park...

Shopping and Boutiques

Decatur isn’t just about food and drinks—it’s also a great place for some shopping. The city is home to a number of unique boutiques, where you can find everything from locally made jewelry to vintage clothing and home décor.

Sq/Ft is a popular spot for all kinds of surprises from home goods, hand crafted jewelry, pretty much everything from books to socks!

Then you have boutiques like Vivid Boutique (not to be confused with Vivid Hair Salon) offers a curated selection of women’s fashion. It’s the kind of place where you can find something one-of-a-kind, making it perfect for those who love supporting local businesses.

Summing It Up

Whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat, exploring the arts, or just enjoying a day outdoors, Decatur has no shortage of things to do. It’s a small city with a big personality, offering a little something for everyone.  If you live close, or the next time you’re in town, make sure to check out some of these spots—you’ll see why Decatur is such a hot spot in Georgia.

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Noteworthy Facts About Smyrna You May Not Know

Smyrna / By

The city of Smyrna is now one of the most beautiful and active down towns in the Metro Atlanta area. Smyrna is located in Cobb County, only about 10 miles northwest of Atlanta and has great access to I-75 and I-285. Smyrna is known as the “Jonquil City” due to the thousands of jonquils in gardens and along the streets that flourish in early spring. There are multiple forms of public transportation. And Smyrna is very convenient to Hartsfield Jackson Airport. There are two major railways and four airports within 18 miles of the city.

 

The History Of Smyrna

Pioneers settled in the area in or around 1832, by the 1830’s the “Smyrna Camp Grounds” that were religious encampments and were very popular and known throughout Georgia. Smyrna was named by the Greeks after the biblical city Smyrna .

Two Civil War battles were in the area, the Battle of Smyrna Camp and the Battle of Ruff’s Station both on July 4,1864. Many business’ and homes were burnt by Sherman’s troops. One Structure that has been rebuilt several times and is still in use is the “Covered Bridge“. There was also a Bell Bomber plant that made the B-29 bombers during WWII that was later reopened as Lockheed in 1951.

When the Western and Atlantic Railroad was complete in 1872 the city was incorporated in 1872. Now Smyrna covers about 15sq miles and has about 50,000 residents. Smyrna was the Winner of the prestigious Urban Institute’s Award of Excellence.

Current City Details

Smyrna is known to be diverse in not only style but in community spirit. Some nearby locations draw all lifestyles. Galleria employment center and Cumberland Mall continue to be an inviting area to the community.

The charm and all of the new housing and shopping gives this city a very appealing atmosphere. The city has two areas of attraction –  one is the Village Green and the other is Market Village.

Village Green is the focal point were the citizens can come together. It includes the community center, library, and arboretum and it is adjacent to private housing and many retail and office areas.

Market Village is the live, work and play area of town. It is the heart of the downtown area that you are able to experience the social aspects of town. There are restaurants, shopping and many other things to enjoy with friends and or family.

Smyrna is an older city, however it has been revitalized and the entire area redeveloped. It now has a 20th Century Veterans Memorial with its new style playground. It has the modern lifestyle comforts and maintained the small town feel.

There is no lack of entertainment and vibrancy in Smyrna. The city has family events, summer concerts, hiking or jogging trails, parks, public golf courses, tennis courts, pools and much more.

More attractions in the area:

Smyrna is inside the Piedmont region of Georgia so you will find hills, slopes, narrow valleys and many beautiful flowers and trees.

Employment

There is no shortage of employment in the area, with Glock being a very large company and have many employees. IBM along with United Distributors, S.P.Richards, Ridgeview Institute, UCB Adventure Outdoors, Office Max, Floor and Decor Outlets and many many more companies in the area will ensure opportunities.

Famous People

There are a few names you may recognize from Smyrna;

  • Julia Roberts – Actress
  • Bob Barr – U.S. Representative
  • Gerald Perry – MLB player
  • Ron Gant – MLB player
  • Tay Glover -Wright NFL
  • C. Martin Croker – a voice over actor and animator
  • Kelly Nelon Clark – recording artist and actress
  • Benn Jordan – recording artist and composer
  • Pat Terry – recording artist and composer

There was also a scene in the movie “Joyful Noise” that was filmed in Howard’s restaurant in Smyrna in 2011.

Check out this video that tells more about the great city of Smyrna:

 

Looking To Sell A House Or Buy Your New Home In Smyrna?

If you have a house in Smyrna or any of the surrounding areas and need to sell we would like the opportunity to make you a free, no obligation offer for your property. We buy houses in any condition for cash. You can call us at (770) 756-8680 or visit our site to fill out a short form and we will contact you shortly. If you are looking to buy a house in Smyrna – we can help you with that as well! We look forward to talking to you soon!

 

 

 




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Why Woodstock GA Is Like No Other

Woodstock / By

Woodstock is a lovely and charming community just north of Atlanta via I75. You owe it to yourself if you live near by to check out this prosperous and inviting city.

 

History

Woodstock is one of Cherokee counties oldest towns, the railway system brought the town to life in 1879. The city had a population of about 300 people. There was a gristmill, yarn spinning and wood carving activities in the area. The water ways in the area were also an inviting draw to the area, Little River, Noonday Creek and many smaller creeks and streams. At one time gold mining was something people were doing in the Kellogg Creek area, the old Kellogg Gold Mine where mica and kaolin were found. Woodstock was recognized by the Georgia General Assembly as a town in 1897 and the name Woodstock came from a 1826 Walter Scott novel.

Woodstock was a large producer of cotton back in the 1890s, they transported a couple thousand bales annually. The cotton farming introduced new farming methods to the area. In 1912 the Woodstock Depot was built by Louisville and Nashville Railroad helping the town grow. The passenger service side of the rail ended in 1949. The city now has a trolley to give tours.

Modern Life

Now with I-575and Highway 92 being the main roads in Woodstock it brings unlimited and innovative avenues for those that wish to live in Woodstock. Developers in the area were influential bringing possibilities for growth in the area making Woodstock one of the fastest growing cities in Cherokee County. Woodstock is a great area for family activities and night life. There are many parks in the area along with restaurants and stores in downtown Woodstock.

There is also the Amphitheater, it is a fun way to spend time with the family and promotes community and allows people to get to know their neighbors. There are so many parks and trails along with fishing and golf and so many more outdoor adventures you could experience in this great town.

Woodstock unveiled the new Memorial in 2009, it has 10 tons of polished granite and is dedicated to the Woodstock veterans. The sign that thanks the men and women of Woodstock, Georgia who served in the armed forces helping to protect our way of life. A beautiful tribute to those that have served this great country.

Woodstock is one of Cherokee Counties biggest municipalities with only 11 square miles and just over 23,000 residents. Woodstock now has its own fire and police departments as of January 2018. There are two fire stations and the police department with 54 sworn officers.

Famous people connected to Woodstock

  • Buff Bagwell – a professional wrestler WCW World Tag Team champion
  • Lew Carpenter – a Baseball player (1943-1945)
  • Nick Markakis – Baseball player
  • Bruce Miller – NFL player
  • Buster Skine – NFL player
  • Dusan Langura – Basketball player
  • Mary Hood – author
  • Chris Kirk – PGA golfer
  • Rich The Kid – rap artist
  • Mark Wills – country music

Here is a video that explains more about this great city –

Looking To Sell Your House In Woodstock Or Buy Your New Home In Woodstock?

If you have a home in Woodstock that you would like to sell – contact us! We buy houses in any condition for cash in Woodstock and all of the surrounding areas. You can give us a call for a free, no obligation offer at (770) 756-8680 or visit our website to fill out a short form and we will get back with you soon. If you are looking for your new home in Woodstock, we can help you with that as well. We look forward to speaking with you soon – and go check out Woodstock!






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Historic Kennesaw At A Glance

Kennesaw / By

Kennesaw Georgia is a beautiful town just North of Atlanta via I75. If you live close you owe it to yourself to plan a visit to this charming Southern town. The name Kennesaw is from Cherokee derivative meaning burial ground.

The City of Kennesaw is in Cobb County and is most known for two things. First Kennesaw is largely known for the Civil War, and secondly because of the gun possession ordinance inside the city limits.

 

Kennesaw’s Rich History

Kennesaw was originally a settlement called Big Shanty in 1830 till 1887, then was re-named Kennesaw in 1887. Due to the railway being a big part of the area it set the stage for The Great Locomotive Chase on April 12,1862.

The Civil War had many major battles, one of which was the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. Kennesaw Mountain is now a National Battlefield Park with a museum. You can learn more about things to do and activities at Kennesaw Mountain here.

There is also the General Locomotive museum (in the center of Kennesaw where the actual train is stored on display), named after the great chase where Union Army volunteer commandeered The General (name of the locomotive) and took the locomotive north toward Chattanooga causing as much chaos and damage as possible to the rail way line. The chase went for about 87 miles, first on foot then the Confederate soldiers pursued in The Texan (name of locomotive). Learn more or plan a visit to check the real General locomotive at the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History.

It’s The Law For Homeowners In Kennesaw To Own A Firearm

What Kennesaw is known for secondly is the gun ordinance. In 1982 Kennesaw City Council passed a city ordinance stating every head of household to own a firearm and the ammunition for it. There is a old new paper article talking about how it might effect crime in the area written by Jonathan Hamilton and David Burch;

KENNESAW, Ga – Several Kennesaw officials attribute a drop in crime in the city over the past two decades to a law that requires residents to have a gun in the house.
In 1982, the Kennesaw City Council unanimously passed a law requiring heads of households to own at least one firearm with ammunition.
The ordinance states the gun law is needed to “protect the safety, security and general welfare of the city and its inhabitants.”
Then-councilman J.O. Stephenson said after the ordinance was passed, everyone “went crazy.”
“People all over the country said there would be shootings in the street and violence in homes,” he said. “Of course, that wasn’t the case.”
In fact, according to Stephenson, it caused the crime rate in the city to plunge.

Read the Full Article Here

The topic of the gun ordinance has been a nation wide story at times.

Watch this video that tells more about how great the community of Kennesaw is!

Kennesaw has many shopping malls and museums, many outdoor activities all year round. Kennesaw State University is just minutes away. There is also a public airport –  Cobb County Airport also known as Mccollum Airfield.

Vulcan Material is one of the largest business’ in Kennesaw and has been there close to seventy years. The mining facility also has a museum that schools can come an tour.

Even with Kennesaw being a small town with currently a population just over 32,000 at 9.5 square miles, it is packed full of history and unique things to do. The city has events in downtown at the depot almost every weekend and holiday during the year. To see a list of future events have a look at their website and click on the “Things To Do” tab.

Kennesaw is still a small country town where people are friendly and still knows and waves at their neighbors, with all the ease of living in the big city because nothing is to far away.

In short – We Love Kennesaw! If you have a house that you would like to sell in Kennesaw or any of the surrounding areas – reach out to us at (770) 756-8680 or visit our website to complete a brief form and we will get back with you soon.






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Get To Know Cumming GA A Little Better

Cumming / By

Cumming is a City inside of Forsyth County and is part of the Atlanta Metropolitan area, and it’s latitude longitude coordinates are 34.20357° N, -84.13994° E. It is approximately 39 miles northeast of Downtown Atlanta. Cumming is also the county seat of Forsyth County. The city was named in tribute to Col. William Cumming who participated in the War of 1812.

Cumming History

 

The area was originally settled by the Cherokee Indians. The Cherokee lived alongside white settlers until gold was discovered in North Georgia in 1828. In 1865 the Treaty Of New Echota was signed that forced the Cherokee to move to the Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River. This migration of the Indians is known as the infamous Trail of Tears.

The territory was then formed in Cherokee County in 1831, and the split into several counties including Forsyth County in 1832. In 1833 the city of Cumming was formed from 2 separate 40 acre land lots.

During the 1830’s and 1840’s Cumming prospered from the gold mining industry. Many local business were formed to meet the needs of the miners. It was short lived though because of the California Gold Rush in 1849 that put the city into an economic depression.

In the early 1900’s Cumming was plagued with racial conflict, and in 1912 Governor Brown sent state militia to Cumming to prevent riots.

Now it’s a totally new city that is experiencing great growth, thanks to Georgia 400 that has helped make it easier to commute to Atlanta.

In 2014 the population was 5,615, with a population estimate as of July 1 2016 at 6,225.

Cumming Attractions

One of Forsyth’s and Cumming’s biggest attractions is Lake Lanier. If you are looking for some excellent campgrounds, Sawnee , Shady Grove and Baldridge Creek are fantastic for fishing, boating and swimming.

Lanierland Music Park hosts concert events in the summer up to late fall that showcases popular country music singers.

If golfing is your thing, the area has some excellent golf courses, including championship golf course Hampton Golf Village.

If you are into theater, then the Cumming Playhouse is for you! They provide quality entertainment throughout the year offering plays, musicals, concerts, with fine dining provided by Tam’s Backstage Food and Spirits.

If you just want to enjoy nature, Cumming has that for you as well. It’s the home of Mary Alice Park, Caney creek Preserve, Haw Creek and Coal Mountain to name a few.

Cumming also has their own annual Fourth of July parade which is recognized for displaying the largest number of steam engine tractors in the world.

Why Everyone Loves Cumming!

As you can see, Cumming GA has a lot to offer. And as a final note, if you have a house that you need to sell fast in Cumming, reach out to us by visiting our website, or call us at 770-756-8680.






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What’s Involved In Closing On A House And How Long Does It Typically Take?

News & Info / By

How Long Does The Typical Closing Take And What’s Involved?

 

For sellers, the closing process is the final, critical stage in a long and often emotional journey in selling their house. Understanding the complexities of closing and the normal timeline involved will help sellers navigate this period more easily and confidently. This article seeks to explain the procedures involved in closing from the seller’s perspective, providing insight into what to expect and how to effectively manage the process until your house is finally sold.

As a quick reminder – if you don’t want to have to wait on pins and needles waiting for the typically long and drawn out process of selling your home, give a call or contact us. We can close in just a few days, or on your timeline! Now, on with the show!

 

 

Pre-Closing Preparations

There’s actually a lot that happens when selling the traditional method using an agent with your typical home buyer.

  •    Buyer’s Have To Secure Financing

As a seller, waiting for the buyer to obtain financing can be stressful. The process begins with the buyer obtaining mortgage pre-approval, which provides an initial indication of their purchasing power. Once pre-approved, the buyer must complete their loan application, which can take some time and is subject to a variety of restrictions and lending criteria. Sellers must be patient during this process, as any delays or financing concerns may effect the closing date.

  • Home Inspections

Another essential step in the process are home inspections, which often leaves sellers waiting. The buyer will organize and carry out inspections to verify the property is in good shape. This will reveal any necessary repairs or issues that were not previously reported. Sellers must be ready to address these issues, which may include making repairs or renegotiating the sale terms. This stage can be very stressful because it may impact the ultimate sale price and timing.

  • Appraisals

Once all inspections are complete, the buyer will request an appraisal to assess the property’s market value. This is an important step for the lender to ensure that they do not lend more than the property is worth. Sellers must wait for the appraisal report, which may turn up as some unwanted surprises. Understanding the appraisal report and its ramifications is critical, because a poor assessment might result in renegotiations or even the cancellation of the sale. This waiting period might be stressful, but it is an essential part of the process to ensure a fair transaction for all parties involved.

  • Title Search

The title search is an important yet nerve-racking stage in the closing process. The title search ensures that the property’s title is free of any liens, disputes, or legal concerns that could jeopardize the sale. This entails a thorough review of public records and legal documents to ensure the seller’s right to transfer ownership. Sellers must wait for this thorough review, which may discover unanticipated difficulties such as unpaid taxes or prior liens against the property. Resolving these title difficulties is critical to moving forward with the sale, and sellers frequently find themselves in a holding pattern until any “cloud” on the title is remedied, adding to the stress of the closing process.

Closing Day Is Drawing Near

After all of the above has gone through, closing day is getting closer and you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. But Wait! There’s still more to go! More nerve racking stuff that could cause your sale to fall through – The Final Walkthrough! The final walkthrough is crucial for the buyer to ensure that the property is in the agreed-upon condition prior to closing. This walkthrough provides an opportunity for the seller to confirm that all contractual duties have been satisfied, such as making agreed-upon repairs and preserving the property’s condition. Sellers must prepare for this walkthrough, realizing that it is the buyer’s final opportunity to identify any faults before to the official transfer of ownership.

  • Seller’s Prep For Final Walkthrough

As the seller, preparing for the final walkthrough entails making certain that all repairs and maintenance activities have been completed to the buyer’s satisfaction. This involves ensuring that all appliances are operational, fixtures stay in place, and the property is clean and clear of debris. Furthermore, all personal stuff should be removed unless otherwise agreed upon. Making adequate preparations can help avoid delays or issues during the tour.

  • Last Minute Issues

Despite careful planning, last-minute problems may develop during the final walkthrough. These might range from small cosmetic issues to more serious issues. To prevent prolonging the closing process, sellers must be prepared to handle these difficulties swiftly. This could include making small improvements or negotiating changes to the sale terms. Being proactive and responsive during this stage is critical to ensuring a smooth and timely closing, so decreasing the stress and uncertainty associated with the final stages of the home-selling process.

 

Closing Day

Phew! You’ve finally arrived, but not out of the woods yet! Everybody has to have all of their “ducks in a row” and have a meeting of the minds at the closing table. Hopefully everyone is prepared and there won’t be any delays.

  • Closing Date

By now the date should have been set a while ago as the closing date is a critical step for sellers that must be carefully planned and coordinated. The chosen date is influenced by a number of circumstances, including the buyer’s finance preparedness, the completion of inspections and appraisals, and any title concerns. Sellers must work closely with the buyer, real estate agents, and attorneys to determine a mutually acceptable date. Effective communication is essential for ensuring that all parties are present and prepared, reducing the possibility of delays and guaranteeing a smooth transition.

  • Signing and Reviewing A Lot Of Paperwork

On closing day, sellers must review and sign boat loads of paperwork to complete the transaction. The Closing Disclosure, which outlines the financial components of the transaction, loan documentation (if applicable), and the deed of transfer of ownership are all important documents. Sellers must thoroughly comprehend each document to ensure that all terms are proper and agreed upon. Taking the time to carefully review these documents and ask clarifying questions will help prevent misconceptions and guarantee a smoother closing process.

  • Closing Costs

Closing Costs are a crucial component of the closing process that sellers must plan for. Closing costs often include real estate agent commissions, title fees, and any agreed-upon repairs or concessions. Sellers should be aware of these fees and understand the payment options, which often include wire transfers or cashier’s checks. Being prepared to meet these costs ensures that the transaction goes smoothly, allowing sellers to focus on the final procedures of transferring ownership and receiving the sale profits.

Typical Timeline For Sellers

All of this work takes time, mostly because there are so many people involved. Understanding the normal closing timeline is critical for sellers because it allows them to manage expectations and plan accordingly. The method typically goes as follows:

– Pre-closing preparations (30-45 days): This phase entails obtaining financing, conducting inspections, and negotiating any necessary repairs.
– Title search and insurance (10-14 days): Perform a title search and obtain title insurance to verify the property is clear of liens and legal difficulties.
– Final walkthrough (1-2 days before closing): The buyer can visit the property one last time to ensure everything is in order.
– Closing day (1-2 hours): Finalize the sale by signing documents and paying closing charges.

Potential Hiccups For The Seller

Hopefully everyone involved in your sale is on the same page and don’t have any missed emails, phone calls or missing documents, because there is plenty more potential road blocks to selling your home using the traditional method. Regardless of rigorous planning, several circumstances can interrupt the closing timetable, potentially delaying or even completely derailing the sale entirely.

  • Buyer Financing Problems

Delays in the buyer’s financing are one of the most typical concerns. They might be caused by additional documentation demands, changes in financial condition, or lender backlogs. These delays might drastically extend the timeline, leaving sellers feeling unsure.

  • Appraisals And Inspections

Inspections may reveal severe problems that will require expensive repairs, and appraisals may sometimes value the property less than intended. Both instances can result in renegotiations or additional time to address problems, putting the closing date back.

  • Title Problems

Title searches can uncover unforeseen difficulties like liens, boundary conflicts, or clerical errors in public documents. Resolving these difficulties can be time-consuming and may necessitate legal intervention, causing additional delays.

For sellers, these potential delays can be extremely stressful because they might affect moving preparations, financial arrangements, and the overall timeframe for completing the transaction. When selling the traditional method, sellers must stay flexible and proactive, working with their real estate agents and attorneys to resolve any concerns as soon as possible. Being prepared for these scenarios and having backup plans in place can assist to reduce the stress and uncertainty associated with the closing process.

We Buy Houses – Possibly The Better Alternative!

As you can see, selling your house the traditional way with a real estate agent and listing your home, waiting for a buyer and then wait for the closing can not only be nerve racking, but also a long, drawn out process. Why not give us a try?! You have nothing at all to lose, and are absolutely under no obligation to accept our offer. In fact, we might be able to help you find the absolute best solution to your situation!

When you sell to our company, there’s no waiting on loan approvals, we have cash. We also do our inspections within a day or two of having a signed contract. All in all, we can buy your house in just a few days! Just reach out to us at 770-756-8680, or visit MandichPropertyGroup.com to learn more or reach us via contact form.

 




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Atlanta Housing Market Update 2022

News & Info / By

 

Atlanta Housing Market At A Glance

 

It’s no secret that the Atlanta housing market has been on fire for the last two years. The cause? Historically low mortgage rates and the coronavirus. People tried to flee largely populated areas to get to the less dense suburbs. Current homeowners didn’t want to sell their current property, and new construction was down due to a lack of labor, all leading to a shortage of homes, new and existing. So what does the rest of 2022 have in store for the housing market?

Home Sales Are Slowing

Two significant factors are slowing home sales right now: rising interest rates and more homes are coming to market. It looks like the seller’s market is turning more to a buyer’s, or at least becoming a more stable, normal real estate market.

Kam Williams recently stated this in Atlanta Magazine:

The days of having a listing come on at 5 o’clock, and having to see it by 5:05, and having 40 offers on one property—we’re not having that anymore,” she says. “Now buyers are a bit relieved. If they see something, they don’t have to run out in the next two seconds

Read The Full Article Here

This leads us to our next question that has a lot of people concerned –

Are We Headed For A Crash?

Many people are worried about another crash like that of ’08. In fact, Google trends show that more people are searching the term “housing crash” and similar terms more than at any time since ’07.
If you listen to the news, it’s all gloom and doom, but the market data doesn’t support it. Some experts predict a housing market correction.

The housing crash of ’08 was due to banks’ loose lending standards and an overabundance of homes. Banks aren’t giving out the risky loans they did years ago, and foreclosures still remain low. Housing inventory still remains critically low overall. However, metro Atlanta’s housing inventory rose to its highest level since September 2020. This gives more proof things are turning in favor of buyers.

Again, what we are seeing is a return to a normal market.

 

What’s Making The Market Turn?

Rising interest rates are a real problem for some would-be buyers. Prices of homes are still extremely high. The median price for a home in Atlanta is over $400,000, the price alone is driving out a lot of young and first-time homebuyers, and rising interest rates only exasperate the problem. For instance, a 2% rate increase from a fixed rate of 3.5% to 5.5% on a $300,000 home would mean an increase in monthly payments of over $350.00. So, in theory, this will affect buyers on the lower end, having less inventory and competing with other buyers wanting the same property.

What’s Ahead For The Rest Of 2022?

We wish we had a crystal ball, but we don’t, so all we can do is follow the market data.

Housing inventory remains extremely low. Many would-be sellers don’t want to sell because of rising interest rates and lose the low 3.5% rate they have now. However, people will become used to the higher interest rates and continue to buy. If you need to move because of a job transfer, it’s out of necessity, not luxury.

Rising interest rates will definitely slow new home construction. The data is already showing fewer permits being pulled for new home construction.

Our take:

We think things will continue to slow, especially if interest rates continue to rise. Rising interest rates are the only hedge the Fed has against inflation.  Inventory remains extremely low, which will keep prices high, but we will see a small correction in prices as we are already seeing sellers having to lower their asking prices in some areas.

As a reminder, if you have a home that you have inherited, are a tired landlord, have a house that is ugly or pretty – we would love the opportunity to make you an offer on it, just get in touch with us!




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How Is AI Changing Real Estate?

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Whether you like it or not, AI (Artificial Intelligence) is changing our entire world. We use AI for everything from interacting with our cell phones to where our cars can drive themselves. So is Artificial Intelligence going to change the shape of the real estate industry? Yes, and in fact, it already has. So what is to come?

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AI Is Disrupting The Real Estate Industry

Almost everyone has heard of Zillow. So how have they changed things up with AI? Zestimates. Zestimates are an algorithm calculated value of your home. The algo uses data from public information, submitted data from users and takes into account things like current market conditions, location and home facts. Is it 100% correct – no, but it can be a good place to start gauging your properties value.

Check out what Adrian Fisher has to say about AI and Real Estate:

In the future, agents will no longer need to accompany clients to show a home, and clients can tour a property at their leisure. Agent-less showings will become more popular as AI-powered robots will be able to show clients around properties anytime and answer questions they may have.

In the future, consumers may prefer to do business with bots instead of real people. According to Salesforce, 69% of consumers prefer chatbots for quick communication with brands.

Zenplace, for example, is a company that offers consumers an AI-driven home tour experience. The startup developed a bot that comes with a tablet attached to a pole on wheels. It streams a live feed of a real estate agent who conducts the tour and steers the robot. This simulated robot increases the number of showings that realtors can hold within a day.

AI will enable buyers to view homes on their own, give feedback, and allow the agent to help clients decide why it may be a suitable property. Robots won’t take over, as a human touch will still be necessary. Instead, this technology will be helpful to agents that cover a lot of territory and have a busy showing schedule.

Read Adrian’s Full Article Here

So it looks like agents may be a thing of the past, or at least headed that way. In fact studies show that most home buyers now start their new home search online before even contacting an agent.

Do You Really Need A Real Estate Agent Now?

Things are really changing, and changing fast. In our opinion, sellers and buyers are tired of paying out so much cash for what most agents do, just list and put a property on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service).

Here is what G. Brian Davis from Bigger Pockets has to say about it:

Consider these questions: Does everyone need a real estate agent? Are the services that agents provide worth $10,000? How long are sellers going to continue spending that kind of money to list and sell a property?

Not much longer.

Services like Owners.com in the United States and Your Online Property Agent in the U.K. have started offering flat-fee services in the $400-1,000 range depending on how much extra attention and services you want. All services include an MLS listing, buyer funds verification and background check, property showings calendar and offer negotiation support. Premium services include local agent support, professionally written descriptions, sales contracts, and similar bells and whistles.

So what do sellers give up by using these services? The biggest difference is they would have to show the property themselves. But who can sell the house better than the people who live there?

Expect to see these online brokerages increasingly put the pressure on real estate agents.

Read Brian’s Full Article Here

So it really appears that the pressure is on agents, especially the ones that under perform. We all know somebody that has had some sort of horror story with a realtor.

Are Agents Going To Become Obsolete?

In our honest opinion, not any time in the near future. Agents do still provide a valuable service (well, at least some of them). There are sellers that don’t have a clue as to how to sell a home or even know where to begin.

Monica Nickelsburg makes this important point:

Real estate companies such as Zillow, Redfin, Opendoor, Compass, and others are investing heavily in the burgeoning “iBuyer” market that lets people quickly buy and sell homes online. Those transactions still require a real estate agent.

Read Monica’s Full Article Here

Summing It Up

So that’s just a little about how AI is changing the real estate industry. There are many more things that are coming and are on the horizon. One thing for sure, not as many people are going to have to rely as heavily on real estate agents as they use to.

If you have a house anywhere in Chamblee or the surrounding areas that you want to sell – give us a call! You don’t need an agent to sell to us. Just give us a call at (770) 756-8680 or check out our website to complete a brief form and we will contact you soon.




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This Will Make You Fall In Love With The Historic City Of Marietta

Marietta / By

Marietta Is A Fantastic Place To Live And Work!

Marietta is a fantastic city! Okay, we might be a little biased because it happens to be the headquarters for our company. But still, it is a beautiful place to live and work along with some amazing people.

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The City of Marietta, Georgia, is a full-service municipality that is located in central Cobb County, about 15 miles northwest of Atlanta, Georgia. Marietta has a distinguished and unique history and modern life style all rolled into one. With the city being only 23 square miles housing about 56,600 residents, it is one of Georgia’s most populous cities.

The most known landmark is The Big Chicken, it is a Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurant. The Big Chicken was built in 1956 and is at the intersection of two main thoroughfares in Marietta being Cobb Parkway and Roswell Road. It is said that when you are not from the area and need directions to anywhere, everyone will say “From the Big Chicken you will go….”. This location also has a small museum about the history of KFC.

Marietta’s History

According to the City of Marietta’s website, the city was one of the first in the area to have early settlers prior to 1824. The Marietta Square, now known as Glover Park, was typical of an older towns design, including the courthouse being a center point of the square. In 1834 the Georgia General Assembly recognized Marietta as a community. The first bank in the town was opened in 1855. The city has seen its share of devastation also, in the 1850’s the town suffered mass damage by fire on three different instances. And in 1915 the National Guard was called in when the Governor gave an eleventh-hour commutation from death to life in prison to a suspected murderer of 13year old Mary Phagan. Leo Frank ended up being lynched on Roswell Road on August 17,1915.

Here is more from Wikipedia about Marietta:

Built-in 1838, the Oakton House is the oldest continuously occupied residence in Marietta. The original barn, milk house, smokehouse, and well house remain on the property. The spectacular gardens contain the boxwood parterre from the 1870s. Oakton served as Major General Loring’s headquarters during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain in 1864.

Marietta was initially selected as the hub for the new Western and Atlantic Railroad, and business boomed. By 1838, roadbed and trestles had been built north of the city. However, in 1840, political wrangling stopped construction for a time. In 1842, the railroad’s new management decided to move the hub from Marietta to an area that would become Atlanta. Nonetheless, in 1850, when the railroad began operation, Marietta shared in the resulting prosperity.

Businessman and politician John Glover arrived in 1848. A popular figure, Glover was elected mayor when the city incorporated in 1852. Another early resident was Carey Cox, a physician, who promoted a “water cure”, which developed into a spa that attracted patients to the area. The Cobb County Medical Society recognizes him as the county’s first physician.

Read more about Marietta’s history here

Marietta Today

The National Civic League judged Marietta one of the 10 best communities in the nation as a 2006 All-America City, the oldest and most-respected community recognition award in the country. CNNMoney.com named Marietta one of the top 25 places in the United States to retire in 2011.

You can also learn much more about Marietta by visiting their website at https://www.mariettaga.gov/738/About-Marietta.

The city of Marietta Georgia is a very exciting and unique place to live and work! Marietta has so much going on you will never be bored and you will still have the “Small home town” feel. There is a park in the center of town called Glover Park also known as Marietta Square and it has hosted thousands of weddings and proms photographs. It also has a playground for the kids and concerts on weekends and almost every holiday. There are many restaurants and small shops on the Square. There is everything from beautiful old buildings, entertainment and new places to eat all within walking distance.

  • Brewery Tours & Tasting @ Red Hare Brewing
  • Brown Bag Lunch Concert Series
  • Marietta Street Fest
  • Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theater
  • Marietta Fire Museum
  • Marietta Museum of History
  • Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour
  • Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art
  • The William Root House Museum & Garden
  • Old Zion Baptist Church Heritage Museum

Marietta also offers plenty of interesting things to see and do that are all within minutes from the square such as;

  • Ghosts of Marietta
  • Historic Walking & Driving Tour
  • Marietta’s Black Heritage Walking Tour
  • Marietta Food Tours
  • Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum
  • Aviation Wing of Marietta
  • Marietta Confederate Cemetery
  • Marietta National Cemetery
  • Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

Marietta has a very diverse work force, there are many large companies that keep the ever growing area employed;

  • Cobb County School District
  • Tip Top Poultry
  • C. W. Matthews Contracting Co
  • WellStar Kennestone Hospital
  • Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Grounds for Atlanta United
  • Franklin Gateway Sports Complex
  • Six Flags White Water Park

Check out this video that tells even more about this great city!

As you can see, Marietta has a lot to offer!

Moving to or from Marietta?

If you have a house in Marietta and are looking for a “we buy houses” company that will buy your house – we are the people to contact! Just check out our website to complete a brief form or call us anytime at (770) 756-8680. If you are looking for your dream home in Marietta, we can help you with that as well!

You can also click here to learn more about how we buy houses.




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Can You Sell Your Home Before The Mortgage Is Paid Off?

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Some homeowners often wonder how this works, how can you possibly sell your home while there is still a mortgage on it. It can be fairly simple, just like selling a car that you haven’t paid off yet. However, there are some things you need to take into account before deciding to sell.

First, you need to factor in the 5 year rule. If you bought your house within the last few years you may not be able to sell your home without bringing money to the closing table. New homeowners need to stay in their house for at least 5 years to make sure they don’t lose money when it comes time to sell. We know this isn’t always possible, especially when you have to transfer to another city because of your occupation. If your job is the case be sure and ask your employer if they can possibly help offset the costs of selling your home without any equity in it. Maybe they will, maybe they won’t – it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Steps To Take To Sell Your Mortgaged House

If you have been in the property for a few years and have to move the next thing to do is lose your emotional attachment to the property. We understand this can be difficult, especially if you like your house and are having to move because of work or some other reason. Investopedia has some good advice about this:

Once you decide to sell your home, it can be helpful to start thinking of yourself as a businessperson and a home seller, rather than as the home’s owner. By looking at the transaction from a purely financial perspective, you’ll distance yourself from the emotional aspects of selling the property that you’ve undoubtedly created many memories in.

Also, try to remember how you felt when you were shopping for that home. Most buyers will also be in an emotional state. If you can remember that you are selling not just a piece of property but also an image, the American Dream and a lifestyle, you’ll be more likely to put in the extra effort of staging and perhaps some minor remodeling to get top dollar for your home. These changes in appearance will not only help the sales price but also help you create that emotional distance because the home will look less familiar.

Read The Full Article Here

We can’t stress enough how important it is to distance yourself from the property. If you can, pack up a lot of your personal belongings, especially pictures to make it easier for a buyer to see the home as their own.

Contact Your Mortgage Company

If you plan on listing your home with an agent you should contact your mortgage company first to learn what your pay off amount will be. This will help you when it comes time to calculate what the house will bring on the market. It will also help the agent to know at what price point you need to be if you have been in the home for a short amount of time.

Lauren Perez gives some more important info from her article on Smart Asset:

If you’re thinking about selling your home, it’s best to contact your mortgage lender and ask for your current mortgage payoff amount. The amount you receive is generally valid for 10 to 30 days, before more interest accrues and changes the amount. Why does this matter? Knowing your outstanding loan balance will help you come up with a selling price. What’s more, you’ll need to use the money from your home sale to pay off your mortgage loan.

It’s also important to review your mortgage loan paperwork and look for due-on-sale clauses. Due-on-sale clauses protect lenders by requiring homeowners to pay their mortgage loan in full after selling their home or transferring their deed to someone else.

Read The Full Article Here

The due-on-sale clause is almost always in the loan paperwork now days. The lenders started putting that clause in to help them make more money. Basically it’s there so that if interest rates were to rise sharply they can collect more in interest from a new home owner.

What If You Are “Upside Down” In Your Mortgage?

This isn’t as common as it was a few years ago, but it does happen. As we discussed earlier if you have only been in the house a couple of years you won’t necessarily be upside down, you just won’t have enough equity to cover closing costs. However, some homeowners have multiple mortgages or HELOC’s (Home Equity Line Of Credit) that is maxed out. These sales can be a bit more difficult, especially if you don’t have the cash to cover these loans. So what do you do? A short sale.

SFGate explains perfectly what a short sale is:

In a short sale, the lender agrees to take less than it is owed and still clear the mortgage off of the books. Short sales can be complicated to set up and very time-consuming. While a law passed in July 2011 generally prevents your lender from coming after you for the short sale deficiency, it’s still a good idea to make sure that you won’t be held personally liable after the fact.

Read The Full Article Here

It’s great that the law was passed in 2011. However we have seen that short sales can take a long time, if they happen at all. For what ever reason the lender decides not to complete the short sale. If this is the case, unfortunately you may have to consider a Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy.

Summing It Up

Yes you can sell a house while there is still a mortgage on it. If you have been in the house for a long time – great, you shouldn’t have any problems. If you sell the traditional way with an agent you should have enough money for closing and might possibly walk away with some cash. If you have been in the home only a few years, or owe more than it is worth, it might be a little more difficult.

If you have a house and would like to sell it, we would love the opportunity to make you an offer. If you have only been in the house a few years, we probably won’t be able to make a deal. However, if you have been in it some time or the house needs some repairs – we probably can. Just reach out to us at (770) 756-8680 or visit our site to complete a brief form and we will get back to you soon.




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