Atlanta Condos For Sale

Struggling To Sell Your House? Read This.

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Struggling To Sell Your House? Read This.

When you sell your house, ideally, you want it to go something like this: your house sells for top dollar, you get it sold quickly, and it all goes down without a hitch.

But what many people don’t realize is that even in today’s market where there are more buyers than homes for sale, there are still things that can cause delays or even keep a house from selling. According to Zillow, in 2024, as many as 1 in 3 sellers took their home off the market before it ultimately sold.

And while the reasons those houses didn’t sell are going to vary, there are some general themes that come through. If you’re having trouble getting your house sold, here are the top three hurdles that could be getting in the way, and how an expert agent can help you solve these issues.

1. Priced Too High

It’s no surprise that price plays a major role when you sell. And in today’s market, overpricing a home in a high-mortgage rate environment is the biggest thing keeping homes on the market longer than the norm. As. U.S. News Real Estate says:

“Talk to any real estate expert, and the first thing they’ll tell you is that a house is selling slowly because the price is too high.”

While it’s tempting to push the price higher to get more for your home, overpricing can really turn away potential buyers. It can also make your house sit on the market for far too long. And the longer it sits, the more skeptical buyers will be that there’s something wrong, even if there isn’t.

Not to mention, buyers today have so many tools and resources to view homes in your area and compare prices. So, if your house is priced too high, you’ll risk driving away potential offers.

To find out if this is happening with your listing, talk to your agent about what they’re hearing at open houses and showings. If the feedback is consistent, it may be time to re-evaluate your asking price. 

2. Not Freshened Up Before Listing

You only get one chance to make a great first impression on a buyer. That’s why sprucing up your house can be the difference between it selling or sitting.

First, take into account your home’s curb appeal. There may be easy ways you can clean up the landscaping to make it tidy, inviting, and really make an impact. As an article from Realtor.com notes:

” . . . for better or worse, buyers do tend to judge a book by its cover. You want to make sure potential buyers’ first impression of your home is a good one—and inspires them to stop by the open house or schedule a tour—so they can see more.”

But don’t stop at the front door. Small touches like removing personal items, reducing clutter, and cleaning the floors give buyers more freedom to picture themselves in the home. And inexpensive upgrades like a fresh coat of paint or updated listing photos to match the current season can go a long way with that wow factor. 

When in doubt, lean on your real estate agent for expert advice and whether you need a new game plan to close the deal.

3. Limited Access

Another big mistake you can make as a seller is limiting the days and times that buyers can view your house. Because at the end of the day, if buyers can’t take a look around, your chances of selling decline — drastically.

And here’s something else to consider. No matter what type of market you’re dealing with, buyers from outside the area are often highly motivated, but they don’t have as much flexibility or time as those who are local. So, give your house the best visibility by making it available as much as possible.

Bottom Line

You deserve to check selling your house off your list of goals this year. So, if your house isn’t getting enough attention or your listing is getting stale, don’t be afraid to ask your trusted real estate agent how you can revamp your approach. 

The Personal Joys of Having a Home To Call Your Own

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The Personal Joys of Having a Home To Call Your Own

You may have had a house full of company, or maybe you visited family some place else…either way,  you were in someone’s home. Not your own? Hmmm..

There’s no doubt that owning a home comes with significant financial benefits. And this time of year is a great time to reflect on the other reasons why owning a home is so meaningful.

A house is more than four walls and a roof – it’s a place where memories are made, connections are built, and life happens.

From the sense of accomplishment that comes with owning your own home to the joy of creating a space that’s uniquely yours, the emotional connections we have to our homes can be just as important as the financial ones.

Here are some of the things that turn a house into a happy home.

1. It’s an Accomplishment You Can Be Proud Of

Buying a home is a significant milestone, whether it’s your first or your fifth. You’ve worked hard to make it happen and achieving this goal is a reason to celebrate. There’s nothing quite like stepping through the door of a home that’s yours and knowing you’ve accomplished something truly special. (And here is a great resource to help you with the Home Buying Process! 

2. It’s a Place You Can Call Your Own

Compared to renting, owning a home can give you a much greater sense of security and privacy. It’s your own place – not your landlord’s – and that just feels different. No one else has the keys but you and that gives you your own personal safe place to retreat to at the end of a long day. 

3. It’s a Space That’s Yours To Customize

Owning a home means you have the freedom to personalize it however you like. While there can be HOA guidelines you may have to follow depending on where you buy, you can still make it a reflection of your style and create a space that feels just right for you. As Freddie Mac explains:

“As the homeowner, you have the freedom to adopt a pet, paint the walls any color you choose, renovate your kitchen, and more. You can customize your own space without approval from landlords.”

4. It’s a Foundation for Building a Sense of Community

Homeownership often means putting down roots in a neighborhood and becoming a part of the local community. According to groups like Habitat for Humanity, owning a home increases your interest in getting involved with your neighbors and local organizations. Whether it’s through joining a neighborhood group, volunteering, or simply getting to know the people next door, a home is a great foundation for building meaningful connections.

Bottom Line

Owning a home is about so much more than financial benefits – it’s about the pride, well-being, and sense of belonging it can bring. When you’re ready to take the next step toward buying a home, let’s connect.

Why More Sellers Are Hiring Real Estate Agents

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Why More Sellers Are Hiring Real Estate Agents

Putting your house for sale on your own – often called “For Sale by Owner” or FSBO – might be on your mind. But you should know that it gets complicated very quickly, especially in today’s complex market.

That’s why data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows a record low number are going the route of selling on their own.

Instead, more and more homeowners are choosing to work with a real estate agent (see graph below):

a graph of a sales growthAnd here’s why partnering with an expert is the go-to choice. Selling your home is a big deal, and while FSBO might seem like a way to save time or money, it comes with a lot of responsibilities.

The selling process requires setting the right price, navigating a growing amount of legal paperwork, and creating a solid strategy to attract buyers. And going it alone often means taking on more than you bargained for.

Let’s look at two big reasons why working with a pro can make all the difference.

1. Getting the Price Right

One of the biggest hurdles when selling a house on your own is figuring out the right price. It’s not as simple as picking a number that sounds good – you need to hit the bullseye. Price your home too high, and buyers may overlook your listing. Price it too low, and you could leave money on the table or even raise red flags about the condition of your home.

Real estate agents are experts in finding the right price for today’s market trends. As Zillow explains:

“Agents are pros when it comes to pricing properties and have their finger on the pulse of your local market. They understand current buying trends and can provide insight into how your home compares to others for sale nearby.”

With their knowledge of the local market, buyer behavior, and what homes like yours are selling for, an agent will help you make sure you set a price that’s competitive and that’ll draw in buyers. And it’s that perfectly strategic price that’ll set the stage for selling at top dollar.

2. Understanding and Managing the Paperwork

Thom Abbott Midtown Atlanta REALTORAnother part of the process is dealing with a growing stack of paperwork, from disclosure forms to contracts. Each document needs to be completed accurately, and there are legal requirements to follow that can feel overwhelming if you’re not familiar with them.

This is where I can help you and keep the stress level low!  I have handled these documents countless times and know exactly what’s needed to keep everything on track. I will guide you through the paperwork step by step, making sure it’s done right the first time and you understand what you’re signing. With my help, you can avoid unnecessary stress and mistakes that can lead to delays, legal complications, and more.

Bottom Line

Selling your house is a big decision, and having a trusted real estate agent (ME) on your side can make all the difference.

Let’s connect so you have a pro to help with everything from pricing your home to managing the details. That way we can take the guesswork out of the process and help you sell with confidence. 

Don’t Let These Two Concerns Hold You Back from Selling Your House

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Don’t Let These Two Concerns Hold You Back from Selling Your House

Selling Your HomeIf you’re debating whether or not you want to sell right now, it might be because you’ve got some unanswered questions, like if moving really makes sense in today’s market. Maybe you’re wondering if it’s even a good idea to move right now. Or you’re stressed because you think you won’t find a house you like.

To put your mind at ease, here’s how to tackle these two concerns head-on.

Is It Even a Good Idea To Move Right Now?

If you own a home already, you may have been holding off because you don’t want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate on your next house. But your move may be a lot more feasible than you think, and that’s because of your equity.

Equity is the current market value of your home minus what you still owe on your loan. And thanks to the rapid appreciation we saw over the past few years, your equity has gotten a big boost. Just how much are we talking about? See for yourself. As Dr. Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains:

“Persistent home price growth has continued to fuel home equity gains for existing homeowners who now average about $315,000 in equity and almost $129,000 more than at the onset of the pandemic.”

Here’s why this can be such a game-changer when you sell. You can use that equity to put down a larger amount on your next home, which means financing less at today’s mortgage rate. And in some cases, you may even be able to buy your next home in cash, avoiding mortgage rates altogether.

The bottom line? Your equity could be the key to making your next move possible.

Will I Be Able To Find a Home I Like?

If this is on your mind, it’s probably because you remember just how low the supply of homes for sale got over the past few years. It felt nearly impossible to find a home to buy because there were so few available.

But finding a home in today’s market isn’t as challenging. That’s because the number of homes for sale is growing, giving you more options to choose from. Data from Realtor.com shows just how much inventory has increased – it’s up almost 30% year-over-year (see graph below):

a graph of a number of numbersAnd even though inventory is still below pre-pandemic levels, this is the highest it’s been in quite a while. That means you have more options for your move, but your house should still stand out to buyers at the same time. That’s a sweet spot for you.

It’s important to note, though, that this balance varies by local market. Some places may have more homes for sale than others, so working with a local real estate agent is the best way to see what inventory trends look like in your area. 

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about selling, Don’t Let These Two Concerns Hold You Back From Selling Your Home! Hopefully these concerns haven’t kept you up at night. With this information, you should realize you don’t have to let the what-if’s delay your move anymore.

Let’s connect so you have the data and the local perspective you need to move forward.

What To Look For From This Week’s Fed Meeting

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What To Look For From This Week’s Fed Meeting

You may be hearing a lot of talk about the Federal Reserve (the Fed) and how their actions will impact the housing market right now. Here’s What to Look for From This Week’s Fed Meeting.

NOTE: BE SURE TO CHECK AN ADDITIONAL PIECE OF INFORMATION BELOW! 

The Fed meets again this week to decide the next step with the Federal Funds Rate. That’s how much it costs banks to borrow from each other. Now, that’s not the same thing as setting mortgage rates, but mortgage rates can be influenced through this process. And if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you may be wondering about the downstream impact and when mortgage rates will come down.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know to help you anticipate what’ll happen next. The Fed’s decisions are guided by these three key economic indicators:

  1. The Direction of Inflation
  2. How Many Jobs the Economy Is Adding
  3. The Unemployment Rate

Let’s take a look at each one.

1. The Direction of Inflation

You’ve likely noticed prices for everyday goods and services seem to be higher each time you make a purchase at the store. That’s because of inflation – and the Fed wants to see that number come back down so it’s closer to their 2% target.

Right now, it’s still higher than that. But despite a little volatility, inflation has generally been moving in the right direction. It gradually came down over the past two years, and is holding fairly steady right now (see graph below):

a graph of a graph with textThe path of inflation – though still not at their target rate – is a big part of the reason why the Fed will likely lower the Fed Funds Rate again this week to make borrowing less expensive, while still ensuring the economy continues to grow.

2. How Many Jobs the Economy Is Adding

The Fed is also keeping an eye on how many new jobs are added to the economy each month. They want job growth to slow down a bit before they cut the Federal Funds Rate further. When fewer jobs are created, it shows the economy is still doing well, but gradually cooling off—exactly what they’re aiming for. And that’s what’s happening right now. Reuters says:

“Any doubts the Federal Reserve will go ahead with an interest-rate cut . . . fell away on Friday after a government report showed U.S. employers added fewer workers in October than in any month since December 2020.”

Employers are still hiring, but just not as many positions right now. This shows the job market is starting to slow down after running hot for a while, which is what the Fed wants to see.

3. The Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate shows the percentage of people who want jobs but can’t find them. A low unemployment rate means most people are working, which is great. However, it can push inflation higher because more people working means more spending—and that makes prices go up.

Many economists consider any unemployment rate below 5% to be as close to full employment as is realistically possible. In the most recent report, unemployment is sitting at 4.1% (see graph below):

a graph of a number of peopleUnemployment this low shows the labor market is still strong even as fewer jobs were added to the economy. That’s the balance the Fed is looking for.

What Does This Mean Going Forward?

Overall, the economy is headed in the direction the Fed wants to see – and that’s why experts say they will likely cut the Federal Funds Rate by a quarter of a percentage point this week, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.

If that expectation ends up being correct, that could pave the way for mortgage rates to come down too. But that doesn’t mean they’ll fall immediately. It will take some time. Remember, the Fed doesn’t determine mortgage rates. Forecasts show mortgage rates will ease more gradually over the course of the next year as long as these economic indicators continue to move in the right direction and the Fed can continue their Federal Funds rate cuts through 2025.

But a change in any one of the factors mentioned here could cause a shift in the market and in the Fed’s actions in the days and months ahead. So, brace for some volatility, and for mortgage rates to respond along the way. As Ralph McLaughlin, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, notes:

“The trajectory of rates over the coming months will be largely dependent on three key factors: (1) the performance of the labor market, (2) the outcome of the presidential election, and (3) any possible reemergence of inflationary pressure. While volatility has been the theme of mortgage rates over the past several months, we expect stability to reemerge towards the end of November and into early December.”

Bottom Line

While the Fed’s actions play a part, economic data and market conditions are what really drive mortgage rates. As we move through the rest of 2024 and 2025, expect rates to stabilize or decline gradually, offering more certainty in what has been a volatile market. 

HERE IS A SIDE ARTICLE WORTH MENTIONING:  

Mortgage Rates Set To Rise as Donald Trump Clinches Election Win

10 Appealing DIY Home Improvement Tips and Tricks

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10 Appealing DIY Home Improvement Tips and Tricks

Painting an Accent wall DIY Home ImprovementIf you’re looking to improve your home without breaking the bank or calling in a professional, DIY home improvement projects are a fantastic way to refresh your space. From simple upgrades to creative hacks, here are 10 Appealing DIY Home Improvement Tips and Tricks that will add style, comfort, and value to your home.

1. Paint an Accent Wall

One of the easiest and most effective ways to transform a room is by adding an accent wall. Choose a bold color or textured paint finish to make a statement. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try a DIY stencil pattern or mural. This can instantly make a bland room pop with personality.

**Tip:** Use painter’s tape to create sharp lines, and make sure to test out colors in small sections before committing.

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2. Install a Backsplash

Adding a backsplash to your kitchen or bathroom not only enhances the aesthetic but also protects the walls from spills and splashes. Peel-and-stick tiles make this project simple enough for any DIYer, and they come in a variety of designs that mimic expensive tiles at a fraction of the cost.

**Tip:** Measure your space carefully and plan your tile layout before sticking them to the wall to ensure an even, professional finish.

Install new lights for DIY Home Improvement3. Upgrade Your Lighting

Switching out outdated light fixtures can modernize a room instantly. Whether it’s a chic chandelier in the dining room or sleek pendant lights in the kitchen, lighting sets the mood. You can also replace traditional bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs to save on your electricity bill.

**Tip:** Ensure you turn off the power before working with electrical wires, and always follow safety guidelines.

 4. Add Crown Molding

Crown molding adds elegance and a finished look to any room. With the right tools, you can install it yourself. Pre-cut molding from your local hardware store makes it easier, and with some caulk and paint, you can achieve a professional look.

**Tip:** Measure carefully and use a miter saw to get the perfect angles.

 

 5. Refresh Cabinet Hardware

Instead of replacing your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, simply swap out the hardware. Sleek modern handles or knobs can completely change the look of your space without the expense of full cabinet replacement.

**Tip:** Make sure the new hardware fits the existing holes, or be prepared to fill and drill new ones.

 6. DIY Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are both functional and stylish, and they’re easier to build than you might think. Use wood planks, brackets, and a little elbow grease to create shelves that not only hold your belongings but also add a decorative element to your walls.

**Tip:** Always use a level when hanging shelves to ensure they’re perfectly straight.

Here are more of our 10 Appealing DIY Home Improvement Tips and Tricks

 

Statement Front Door DIY Home Improvement7. Create a Statement Front Door

Your front door is one of the first things people notice about your home. A fresh coat of paint in a bold color or a wood stain can make a huge difference. You can also add stylish house numbers or a modern door knocker for extra curb appeal.

**Tip:** Choose a paint color that complements your home’s exterior and is weather-resistant for durability.

 

8. Install a Smart Thermostat

Upgrading to a smart thermostat is a tech-savvy way to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Many smart thermostats allow you to control the temperature from your smartphone, helping you save on energy costs and keep your home comfortable.

**Tip:** Installation is usually simple and doesn’t require professional help, but always follow the instructions carefully.

 

9. Re-caulk Your Bathroom

If the caulk in your bathroom is looking worn, cracked, or mildewed, it’s time for a refresh. Re-caulking is a quick and inexpensive way to make your bathroom look cleaner and prevent water damage.

**Tip:** Use a caulk removal tool to get rid of the old caulk and ensure the surface is clean and dry before applying the new caulk.

 

10. Build a Custom Headboard

A custom headboard can transform your bedroom into a designer-like retreat. You can create one from wood, fabric, or even reclaimed materials like pallets. Tailor the design to your style, whether you prefer minimalist, rustic, or luxurious.

**Tip:** For fabric headboards, use a staple gun to secure the material tightly for a smooth finish. If you’re working with wood, sand it down and finish with stain or paint for a polished look.

 

Conclusion

DIY home improvement projects don’t have to be complicated or expensive to make a big impact. These ten tips and tricks can help you refresh your space and add personal touches that make your home feel new and inviting. Whether you’re enhancing your living room with accent walls or boosting curb appeal with a painted front door, these ideas are great for any skill level.

 

Thom Abbott

Associate Broker, REALTOR(R)
905 Juniper Street, NE Suite 110
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
770.713.1505 Direct
404.876.4901 Office

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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