Buyers Archives

Data Privacy OneTrust adds 500 Midtown Jobs

September 22, 2017 by Thom Abbott

The good news for jobs in Midtown just keeps on coming….as data privacy OneTrust adds 500 Midtown jobs!

The company has developed technology that helps business protect sensitive personal data of employees and customers. (Maybe they could cruise up Spring Street and visit the Equifax office…they seem to need some help!)

As part of a $5M expansion, the footprint of OneTrust’s Midtown office will double. They plan to lease an additional floor in the Midtown Heights office building on Spring Street. The company was launched March, 2016 and is co-headquartered in London. Their software is in demand as the European Union and other regulators are working to protect the privacy of citizens with new laws.

Businesses are collecting more and more consumer data (seen those crazy ads pop up on Facebook right after you searched for a new car?) and this makes them cyber-hacking hot spots! Just ask Equifax, also located in Midtown…that just announced a massive data breach.

In the ABC article, “OneTrust’s growth is fueled by the macro trends of organizations collecting more personal data than ever before; IoT making this data even more sensitive; big data pressuring organizations to analyze and use the data in new ways; and consumer demand for additional privacy rights,” OneTrust CEO Kabir Barday noted. “All of this is putting pressure on organizations to think twice about how they protect the information they hold.”

OneTrust employees that may be relocating to Midtown Atlanta as new hires for the company will have numerous housing choices…from luxury apartments to high-rise condos. The Midtown Heights Building is convenient to the Arts Center MARTA station. This area of Midtown is starting to see more construction that should bring dining options nearby. Those looking for more space in townhome living can look at exciting areas like Chamblee and Brookhaven for other options! Chamblee offers the most direct access to MARTA, making for an easy commute to Midtown.

MyMidtownMojo and Thomas Ramon Realty are ready to help the new employees of OneTrust find just the perfect place to call home! Contact us today at 770.713.1505 or just fill out the Contact Form and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have!

How Can I Lease My Midtown Atlanta Condo?

August 4, 2017 by Thom Abbott

You’re a real estate investor. The Midtown market is hot, hot. You want to cash in and get an investment property.

You’re already a Midtown condo owner. You just met the guy (or girl) of your dreams and they want a house in the new real estate hot spot of Chamblee. But you want to keep the condo.

How Can I Lease My Midtown Atlanta Condo?

All of the above are scenarios I encounter on a weekly or monthly basis. Another is that dreaded, ” I got a job in _______ (Fill in the blank) but I want to come back to Atlanta and I still want my condo here. Unfortunately, you may have a problem with what to DO with your condo….be it in Midtown or anywhere in Atlanta.

And this is nothing new, just because of the hot real estate market and limited inventory! I wrote about this very subject in 2012!

You can’t just up and decide to lease your condo. All condominium buildings (well actually the Homeowner’s Association a.k.a. the HOA) have requirements as to the number of condos that can be rented at any given time. And that number in most buildings is around 25%. But why? It’s MY condo! I’ll do what I want with it!

NOT SO FAST!

When you purchased that condo, you agreed to abide by a set of rules and regulations, also called the Declaration of Condominium. They can also be called the CC & R’s ( Covenants, Conditions and Regulations). When you move into a condo building, you agree to these rules, and there will always be a provision regarding leasing your condo. And in that provision, you must have a leasing permit, issued by the HOA, to lease your condominium.

And in most communities, certainly Midtown Atlanta, there is a waiting list to get such a permit. A long, long list.

Why Do I Have to Have a Leasing Permit?

One primary reason is because of financing. Most lenders require a certain number of the homes in any community be owner-occupied. To get financing for a buyer, the lender will ask for a condo questionnaire to be completed, and the HOA must disclose how many homes are currently leased. If there is too high of a percentage, the lender may feel that a loan in that building is not a sound investment. There is also the un-founded truth that renters are less desirable neighbors, and don’t take care of a home like a homeowner would. (Not true..I’ve seen some pretty scary condos that were owner occupied…and I’ve seen many a owner bang into a wall, or scuff the paint with a suitcase of moving cart!)

Some HOA’s will allow a hardship leasing permit. Like the job example above? Let’s say you DO have to move out-of-state for a job, but want to move back as soon as you find a new job here in Atlanta! These situations are handled on a case-by-case basis, and differently from building to building.

I’ll Just Rent It “Under The Table” They Will Never Know

Ah, that would be a big….NO!

Have the HOA (remember that neighbor you never met…but now knows someone ELSE is living in your condo) find out you are renting and your tenant could face eviction. You will most certainly get a fine…as little as $25 per day to as much as $500 per day. The HOA can turn off access to common areas like the garage where you park, the club room and any other amenities. It can get pretty messy. Probably NOT worth the risk.

So if you are looking to buy a Midtown Atlanta condo, or a condo anywhere in the Atlanta area, make sure you place your name on the lease waiting list as soon as you close. Some HOA’s have a grace period of 90-120 days before you can, but get it on there when you can. It may take 4-5 years to clear the list, but when you do, it may be perfect timing to THEN turn it into an investment property and rent it! (And I can help you with that process!)

Or you may have no choice but to sell. I can help you through that process as well. Here are some tips about selling your Midtown Atlanta condo!

Just know that you need to be living in that condo, and don’t think you will be renting it out!

Beware of CyberFraud in Real Estate

July 31, 2017 by Thom Abbott

It’s a strange, and sometimes kinda sad world we live in these days. Seems like everyone is out to get you, or your stuff, or your identity anyway they can. And now you have to beware of CyberFraud.

You have to be careful in keeping your home and car locked. Watch where you sign on to the Internet and what personal info you do while in the unprotected environment. (I can’t imagine using some city-wide wi-fi and doing some banking transactions…..shreek!)

Well, the fraud gig has found its way to a part of the real estate transaction. The MOST important part of it…and that would be the money part! In Georgia, our closings are coordinated through a closing attorney. They complete all the necessary paperwork, but they represent the LENDER that requires all those documents to be signed. And part of this process, is the wiring of funds for the closing. This is mostly on the Buyer side of the closing, but there can be times when the Seller would have to wire funds as well. Well, now, there seems to be a chance that your funds for closing could end up in the wrong hands!

When you are getting ready for the closing, you will get communication from the closing attorney regarding the wiring of your funds to their account. You will never get that request from myself, or my real estate brokerage. This will always come from the attorney’s office.

That said, we offer up this caution regarding Cyber Fraud:

Beware of Cyber Fraud.

Fake e-mails attempting to get you to wire money to criminal computer hackers are increasingly common in real estate transactions. Under this scam, computer hackers fraudulently assume the online identity of the actual mortgage lender, closing attorney and/or real estate broker with whom you are working in the real estate transaction. Posing as a legitimate company, they then direct you to wire money to them. In many cases, the fake e-mail is sent from what appears to be the authentic web page of the legitimate company responsible for sending the wiring instructions.

You should use great caution in wiring funds based solely on wiring instructions sent to you by e-mail. Independently verifying the wiring instructions with someone from the company sending them is the best way to prevent fraud. In particular, you should treat as highly suspect any follow up e-mails you receive from a mortgage lender, closing attorney and/or real estate broker directing you to wire funds to a revised account number. Never verify wiring instructions by calling a telephone number provided along with a second set of wiring instructions since you may end up receiving a fake verification from the computer hackers trying to steal your money. Independently look up the telephone number of the company who is supposed to be sending you the wiring instructions to make sure you have the right one.

So, as the info suggests, when you get a request to wire funds, search out the firm separate from the info provided in the email. Then call, and confirm the wiring information.

You just have to watch out for the bad guys. They can be anywhere!

The Millennial’s Guide to Buying a Home

May 20, 2017 by Thom Abbott

I bought my first home when I was 32 years old. The term “millennial” didn’t exist back then. And nothing like The Millennial’s Guide to Buying a Home existed either. Let me be honest….”www” was not around either! So buying a home was a much different process than it is today.

But if you are buying your FIRST home, then it’s a NEW process for you, and there can be lots and lots of questions! Thankfully, with the help of “www” it is much easier to get or find information online about the home buying process. I mean, we even created the Intown Atlanta Real Estate Buyer’s Guide as a great resource!

But for the Millennial generation, many things in life are different. Starting with…how many of you there are! Like a whole 83.1 Million of you!!!! Then there is the often used phrase of “failed to launch” as many of you have delayed moving our of your family’s home…or maybe even moved BACK there after college because of employment or student debt issues. Experts have looked at your generation and wondered, “Do they even WANT to own a home?” Well in 2016, the buyers in the age group of 25-34 years accounted from some 56 percent of first time home buyers…so I’d say you do!

Now, I understand that Young Millennials (aged 17-25) are different than Older Millennials in the age group of 26-36. Like I mentioned, I was 32 when I bought MY first house. (Should I tell you I got transferred just 3 months AFTER I bought it? Nah…save that for another time! Like when we meet in person!)

So, what might be holding YOU back from making that first home purchase?

The Top 6 Reasons young Renters Delay Buying

Any of these sound or feel familiar to you?

Don’t Get Caught in the Rental Trap

As you will see in our Full Report, The Millennials’ Guide to Home Ownership, rents have been rising consistently over the past 20 years or more! In homeownership, you can protect yourself from rising rents, by locking in your housing costs for the life of your mortgage! (Provided you do not have an adjustable-rate mortgage….and I’d highly advise against this!) Each month, your housing payments go towards owning your own home instead of renting it, and paying someone else’s mortgage.

Now, I completely understand that buying is not always the right option for you. I’m happy to discuss your plans and what you see in your future…and maybe now is the time to buy….and maybe it is not.

You can request your FREE COPY of our Millennials’ Guide to Home Ownership below! We look forward to helping you and if you have any questions, we are always available at 770.713.1505 or email me HERE

What a Atlanta GA Home Buyer Needs To Know

May 19, 2017 by Thom Abbott

Buying a home or condominium in Atlanta GA is not something you should do without knowledge and research. With today’s technology, you can do much of that on your own. But…..BUYER BEWARE!!! There is a lot of information out there, and how do you know what’s right, or maybe wrong? You could even think that when reading this post!

What a Atlanta GA Home Buyer Needs To Know

While you can do this “self-research” I’d strongly suggest you find a real estate agent early in your process. I often start “working” with potential buyers months before they actually make a home purchase. I help them in their research about the home buying process, including meeting with a lender, identifying potential neighborhoods or condominium buildings.

Here are just a few things or tips to keep in mind as you start the home buying process!

In most cases, a home is the largest asset an individual will have, and is considered one of the safest investments.
Property taxes and qualified home loan interest are deductible on an individual’s federal income tax return.
A homeowner can exclude up to $500,000 of capital gains if married and filing jointly, or up to $250,000 if single or married and filing separately. The home must have been the taxpayer’s principal residence for the previous two years. **
A portion of your monthly mortgage payment is applied to the principal…consider this a monthly investment!
You can live in and enjoy your home as an investment..you can’t do that with a mutual fund!
I can show you ANY home listed you find, whether with another real estate company. Even new home construction that you may see when you drive by a new community. Remember, in each of these cases, the SELLER has someone representing them…and you should have someone representing YOU!
Having been pre-approved with a lender will help you know how much house you can purchase and also help in negotiations with a Seller. Having the Seller know you have your mortgage process underway is a great tool in a demanding Seller’s Market.
You have a right to conduct a home/condo inspection as part of your Purchase and Sale Agreement. This gives you the ability to negotiate repairs or compensation once you know all the facts about the property. (In condominiums, this can also be a time for you to review condo docs and budgets to know more about the building)
A Home Protection Plan can offer you “piece of mind” coverage for select items like appliances, central heat/air and water heaters. If the Seller does not provide this during the negotiation process, you can purchase this coverage on your own. (Of course we can help you with various sources!)
In a “Seller’s Market” don’t be looking for “the deal.” Remember, that Seller has an agent working for them, and hopefully they have priced the home accordingly. (Not always the case!) Focus on finding the right home, within your budget, and then let your real estate agent help negotiate the best terms and price.

Whether you are ready to buy a home in the next 30 days, or the next 3 months, we are here to help you through the process, from beginning to your Celebration Day when you get the keys to your new home! And we will be here long after to answer any questions, or help your family or friends when they are ready to Buy or Sell!

Check out our Intown Atlanta Buyer’s Guide for more information! And you can always contact me via email at Thom@MyMidtownMojo.com….by phone or text at 770.713.1505 or with the contact form below. Let’s set a time to meet and I can help YOU with What a Atlanta GA Home Buyer Needs to Know!

Atlanta Georgia Real Estate

Thom Abbott, Associate Broker

Thomas Ramon Realty @ Palmer House Properties

2911 Piedmont Road, Suite B

Atlanta, GA 30305

Direct: 770.713.1505

Office: 404.876.4901

Is Condo Living Maintenance Free?

May 9, 2017 by Thom Abbott

As I work with Buyers everyday, one question often comes up when looking at condominiums….Is Condo Living Maintenance Free? Well yes….sort of.

What Do You Have to Maintain in a Condominium?

Living in a condominium gives you freedom from most outside work associated with a single family home. In other words, no lawn mowing, trimming the shrubs, pressure washing the driveway and such. You also don’t have to worry about the roof since it is on the of the building, and most likely NOT on top of your particular condo (unless you DO live on the top floor) but it still is a responsibility of the home owner’s association. (HOA)

But most of the systems that service your condominium are your responsibility. What are these key systems?

Heating and Air Conditioning System

Newer buildings will have self-contained systems located in your utility closet INSIDE your condo. But most buildings you will have a separate heat-pump or condensing unit. And there is a good chance it is on the roof of the building. You are responsible for the maintenance and operation of this system. Yes, even with your unit on the roof, you have to maintain that. I often find (mainly during a home inspection when working with a Buyer) that the unit on the roof has seen very little attention. While they should not get very dirty with little exposure to dirt, the insulation that wraps the lines is most often found in the condition you see in the photo on the left. And it’s almost always an issue I ask to have addressed by the Seller. (If they have not paid attention to THIS, they have most likely NOT had the HVAC system serviced anytime recently.

And I’ve had the extreme the other way on the INSIDE of a condo. I took over a unit that had been rented and helped an out-of-town seller get the place ready to sell. It was dirty beyond dirty could BE dirty. The photo on the right is the fan from inside the air handler in the condo. It’s amazing the unit could even operate!

Hot Water Heater

Again, when working with Buyer’s, we keep an eye on the age of systems. ( I might note the new Seller’s Disclosure Statement DOES NOT have a blank for the Seller to enter the age of the hot water heater!) Hot water heaters can last a long time….but…10 years is their normal life span….and that is when they are “maintained.” Did you know that you should drain your hot water heater and refill it? Once a year? Who has a garden hose in a condo, right? So this service is never done, and can lead to a shorter life span! And replacing a hot water heater is no cheap trick! So, if you live in a building that is 10 years old….or older, you might want to be on the lookout for a request to pay for a home warranty for the Buyer.

Plumbing

This should be pretty easy, right? Hmmm. I’ve had a rental condo where a tenant did not realize the kitchen sink was leaking until it FINALLY went through the ceiling into the condo below. Not to mention the damage to the kitchen cabinet under the sink, AND the hardwood floors. Moral of that story…look under your kitchen (AND BATHROOM(s) sink every month. Takes you but 5 minutes to make sure all is well, versus hundreds or even thousands of dollars in damage. And make sure if you are ever having any renovations done, that the contractor is insured, the plans have been approved by the Architectural Review Board and you have insurance as well. A water “event” in a condo building is a serious matter!

Appliances

Washer, Dryer, Stove, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Microwave….these are ALL inside your condominium, and are YOUR responsibility. A leaky connection on a washer can be hard to find in some of the tight laundry closets in most condos, so just keep an eye open. Same goes for a dishwasher that may leak. And a word to the wise….never leave your condo and leave a washer or dishwasher running unattended!!!

Is Condo Living Maintenance Free? So you don’t have a basement, or a garage or all that stuff to worry about. And most of this stuff is pretty simple and easy. Just have an annual maintenance contract on your HVAC, and consider a home warranty that will help defray the costs of repairs/replacement of the other items!

How Can I Lease My Midtown Atlanta Condo?

Why Do I Have to Have a Leasing Permit?

I’ll Just Rent It “Under The Table” They Will Never Know

Beware of Cyber Fraud.

The Top 6 Reasons young Renters Delay Buying

Don’t Get Caught in the Rental Trap

What a Atlanta GA Home Buyer Needs To Know

Atlanta Georgia Real Estate

What Do You Have to Maintain in a Condominium?

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