Atlanta Condos For Sale

 4 Things To Expect from the Spring Housing Market

by

 4 Things To Expect from the Spring Housing Market 4 Things To Expect from the Spring Housing Market


Spring is in full swing, and the housing market is picking up along with it. And if you’ve been wondering whether now is the right time to buy or sell, here’s the inside scoop on why this spring may be a great time to make your move and 4 Things to Expect from the Spring Housing Market.

1. There Are More Homes for Sale

After a long stretch of tight inventory, the number of homes for sale is finally improving. According to recent national data from Realtor.com, active listings are up 27.5% compared to this time last year.

Look at the graph below and follow the green line for 2025. You can see, even though inventory levels still haven’t returned to pre-pandemic norms (shown in gray), that number is higher than it has been going into the spring market over the past few years (see graph below):


Buyers: This means you have more choices, and you can be more selective.

Sellers: With more homes available than in recent years, you’re more likely to find what you’re looking for when you move. And knowing that inventory is still below more normal levels means there will be demand for your home when you sell it, too.

2. Home Price Growth Is Moderating

As inventory grows, the pace of home price growth is slowing down – and that will continue into the spring market. This is because prices are driven by supply and demand. When there are more homes for sale, buyers have more options, so there’s less competition for each house. Rising supply and less buyer competition causes price growth to slow, but it should still remain positive in most markets. As Freddie Mac says:

“In 2025, we expect the pace of house price appreciation to moderate from the levels seen in 2024, while still maintaining a positive trajectory.”

And while prices aren’t dropping at the national level, every market is different. Some areas are seeing stronger price growth, while others are cooling off or even seeing some price declines.

Buyers: The slower pace of growth means prices aren’t rising as quickly as before – and that’s a relief. Any home you buy now is likely to appreciate in value over time, helping you build equity.

Sellers: While prices are still rising, you might need to adjust your expectations. Overpricing your house in a more balanced market could mean it takes longer to sell. Pricing your house competitively is going to be key to attracting offers.

3. Mortgage Rates Are Stabilizing

One of the biggest hurdles for buyers over the past couple of years has been high, volatile mortgage rates. But there’s some good news – overall, they’ve stabilized in recent weeks – and have even declined a bit since the beginning of this year. And while that decrease hasn’t been a big drop, stabilizing mortgage rates has helped make buying a home a bit more predictable. According to Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic:

“With the spring homebuying season upon us, the recent improvements in mortgage rates may help invite homebuyers back into the market.”

Buyers: When mortgage rates are more stable, it’s easier to plan ahead because you have a better idea of what your future payment might be. But remember, rates will continue to be volatile. So, lean on your agent and your lender to make sure you know what the latest mortgage rate means for you.

Sellers: Slightly lower rates that are starting to stabilize are encouraging more buyers to move forward with their plans. That’s good for demand when you’re planning to sell your house.

4. More Buyers Are Returning

With more inventory, slowing price growth, and stabilizing mortgage rates, buyers are gaining confidence and coming back into the market. Demand is picking up, and data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) shows an increase in mortgage applications compared to the start of the year (see graph below):


Buyers: Acting sooner rather than later could be a smart move before your competition heats up even more.

Sellers: This is great news for you – more buyers mean a better chance of selling your house quickly.

Bottom Line

Do you have questions about what the spring market means for you? Let’s connect and talk about how to craft your plan this season.

With more homes for sale, slowing price growth, and stabilizing mortgage rates, how will this impact your decision to buy or sell this spring?

Are Investors Actually Buying Up All the Homes?

by

Are Investors Actually Buying Up All the Homes?

Are you trying to buy a home but you feel like you’re up against deep-pocketed Wall Street investors snatching up everything in sight? Many people believe mega investors are driving up prices and buying up all the homes for sale, and that’s making it hard for regular buyers like you to compete.

But here’s the truth. Investor purchases are actually on the decline, and the big players aren’t nearly as active as you might think. Let’s dive into the facts and put this myth to rest.

Most Investors Are Small, Not Mega Investors

A common misconception is that massive institutional investors are dominating the market. In reality, that’s not the case. The Mortgage Reports explains:

“On average, small investors account for around 18% of the market, while mega investors represent only about 1%.”

Most real estate investors are mom-and-pop investors who own just a few properties — not large corporations buying up entire neighborhoods. They’re people like your neighbors who have another home they’re renting out or a vacation getaway.

Investor Home Purchases Are Dropping

But what about the big investors you hear about in the news? Lately, those institutional investors – the ones that make headlines – have pulled back and aren’t buying as many homes.

According to John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC), at their all-time peak in Q2 2022, institutional investors (those owning 1,000+ single-family homes) only made up 2.4% of home sales. And that number has only come down since then. By Q3 2024, that number had fallen to just 0.3% (see graph below):

That’s a major shift, and it means far fewer investors are competing in the market now than just a few years ago.

Investors are clearly more reluctant to buy in today’s market, but why? The answer is largely because higher mortgage rates and home prices have made it less attractive for them.

The idea that Wall Street investors are buying up all the homes and making it impossible for you to compete is a myth. While some investors are still in the market, they’re not nearly as active as they were in past years.

Bottom Line

Big institutional investors aren’t buying up all the homes – if anything they’re buying less than they have been. Let’s connect and talk about what’s happening in our local market. There could be more opportunities than you think.

How does knowing investors are buying fewer homes change the way you see your chances in today’s market?

Food and Agricultural Giant Cargill Opens Midtown ATL Tech Hub

by

Food Giant Cargill opens Midtown Atlanta Tech HubIn November 2024, Cargill, a global leader in food and agriculture, inaugurated its new tech hub in Midtown Atlanta, marking a significant milestone in the company’s digital transformation journey. This strategic move aims to harness Atlanta’s burgeoning tech scene and diverse talent pool to drive innovation in the food and agriculture sectors.

Strategic Location in Midtown’s Technology Square

Cargill’s decision to establish its tech hub in Midtown’s Technology Square places it at the heart of Atlanta’s innovation district. The company has subleased a portion of the NCR campus on Spring Street, providing a modern workspace designed to foster collaboration and technological advancement. This location offers proximity to leading academic institutions and a vibrant tech community, aligning perfectly with Cargill’s objectives.

Job Creation and Talent Acquisition

The Atlanta tech hub is set to create over 400 highly skilled jobs in the coming years, focusing on areas such as data engineering, generative artificial intelligence, and SAP. As of January 2025, Cargill has already onboarded approximately 50 employees, with many hailing from the local area. This recruitment drive underscores the company’s commitment to tapping into Atlanta’s rich pool of technical talent to drive its digital transformation efforts. 

Leadership Perspectives

Brian Sikes, Cargill’s Board Chair and CEO, emphasized the strategic importance of the Atlanta hub, stating that Georgia’s business-friendly environment provides an ideal backdrop for the company’s investment in technology and innovation. Jennifer Hartsock, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Cargill, highlighted that the city’s thriving tech innovation ecosystem offers unparalleled access to expertise essential for advancing the company’s digital initiatives. Community Engagement and Future Outlook

Beyond job creation, Cargill has demonstrated a strong commitment to the local community, contributing over $1 million in the past year to support organizations such as the Georgia FFA Foundation, Georgia Mountain Food Bank, and local educational institutions. Looking ahead, the Atlanta tech hub is poised to play a pivotal role in developing digital solutions that enhance the global food supply chain, open new markets, and promote sustainability in the food system. 

In summary, Cargill’s new tech hub in Midtown Atlanta signifies a strategic investment in technology and talent, reinforcing the company’s dedication to innovation and community partnership in the region.

Cargill employees will have numerous living options in the Midtown Atlanta area. Some may choose to rent in one of the luxury apartment buildings. Others may see the value in renting vs. buying    

Those options can range from a Midtown Atlanta condo, many with in walking distance of the new office, or single family homes in areas like Brookhaven or  Chamblee. We are ready here at Thomas Ramon Group to help you find the perfect place to call home along with your new Cargill Tech Hub! 

5 Reasons Not to Prop Open Condo Doors

by

Do not compromise building securitySometimes, I hear things in my daily real estate life (or see them in person) and I just go, “Seriously, WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?” 

Let’s see….there is throwing things off your balcony, from lit cigarettes to actual garbage, fireworks off your balcony…YES — I have seen that! 

But one reason many of my Buyer clients purchase a condo, is for the security that the building may offer. Now, of course not all Midtown Atlanta Condominiums have the same type of security, but your newer, high-rise buildings do have more features. But these features can be easily compromised…and here are 5 Reasons Not to Prop Open Condo Doors! 

Security is a major concern in high-rise condo living, and propping open exterior doors can create serious risks. Here are five key reasons why residents should never do it:

1. Compromises Building Security

Propping open an exterior door allows unauthorized individuals to enter the building without screening. This increases the risk of trespassing, theft, or even more serious crimes.

2. Puts All Residents at Risk

A single open door can make the entire building vulnerable. Residents expect controlled access for safety, and leaving doors open jeopardizes the security of everyone inside.

3. Violates HOA or Building Policies

Most condo buildings have strict security policies that prohibit leaving exterior doors open. Violating these rules could result in warnings, fines, or other consequences for the responsible resident. Here is an example of a recent mention of this is a building email communication to the residents;

5 Reasons Not to Prop open outside doors on a condo building

 

4. Creates a Fire Safety Hazard

Many exterior doors are fire-rated and designed to close automatically to prevent the spread of smoke and flames. Propping them open could violate fire codes and put lives at risk in an emergency.

5. Invites Pest and Weather Issues

An open door can let in unwanted pests, such as insects or rodents, and expose interior areas to extreme weather conditions, which could cause property damage or increased maintenance costs.

So, remember these 5 Reasons Not to Prop Open Condo Doors and encourage your fellow residents to respect security measures and help maintain a safe and secure living environment for everyone in the building.

I Wish You Could Be a Real Estate Agent – Just Once!

by

Honestly…on a volcano in Hawaii and was talking with a client!!

I wish everyone could be a real estate agent at least once in their life. Not for the money, not for the “flexible schedule,” and definitely not for the glossy image you see on Netflix or social media. But because it’s tough—because it will challenge you in ways you never expected.

It’s waking up before the sun, driving across town to plant open house signs, knowing some will vanish before the day is over. It’s sitting alone in a beautifully staged home, waiting. Hours tick by, and maybe—just maybe—two people walk in, both just curious neighbors. But you still greet them with a smile and share what you know. Because that’s what we do.

It’s the gut punch of seeing people you’ve known for years—people you’ve supported, celebrated, and stood by—list their home with someone else, without so much as a phone call. That one stings. Or that person that clicked on an ad and then does not want to talke with you, or better yet, gives you a bad email address. You wonder if they know now much that cost your business?

You pour everything into your community, often wondering if anyone even notices. You step away from date nights, miss social gatherings, and put personal plans on hold because a client needs you. Your evenings and weekends aren’t yours—they belong to everyone else.

But here’s why it’s worth it: The late-night calls and tests with a first-time buyer, nervous and overwhelmed—you walk them through it. The elderly couple selling their home of 40 years—you sit with them, listening to the stories etched into every wall. The single mom who thought homeownership was impossible—you fight for her until she holds the keys in her hand.

When I look at the agents who stick with this profession, I don’t see luxury cars, designer labels, or vanity metrics. I see people who keep showing up, who keep giving, who keep caring. Not because it’s easy or even always rewarding, but because it’s who they are.

Because real estate isn’t about houses. It’s about people. It’s about the hard moments, the beautiful moments, and the thousands of quiet, unseen moments in between. And that’s why I wish everyone could do this job, even just once. Because in real estate, you learn what it means to serve others before yourself.

And that’s not just a lesson for this business. It’s a lesson for life.

A Record Percent of Buyers Are Planning To Move in 2025 – Are You?

by

A Record Percent of Buyers Are Planning To Move in 2025 – Are You?


A record percent of Buyers are planning to move in 2025 – Are You?

This could be the year to sell your house – and here’s why. According to a recent NerdWallet survey, 15% of people are planning to buy a home this year. That’s actually a record high for this survey (see graph below):

a graph of blue rectangles with white textHere’s why this is such a big deal. The percentage has been hovering between 9-11% since 2020. This recent increase shows buyer demand hasn’t disappeared – if anything, it indicates there’s pent-up demand ready to come back to the market.

That doesn’t mean the floodgates are opening and that there’s going to be a huge wave of buyers like we saw a few years ago. But this does signal there’ll be more activity this year than last.

At least some of the buyers who put their plans on hold over the past few years will jump back in. Whether they’re feeling more confident about moving, they’ve finally saved up enough to buy, or they simply can’t wait any longer – this is the year they’re aiming to take the plunge.

And, according to that same NerdWallet survey, more than half (54%) of those potential buyers have already started looking at homes online.

That’s a good indicator that a number of these buyers will be looking during the peak homebuying season this spring. So, if you find the right agent to make sure your house is prepped, priced, and marketed well, you can get your house in front of them.

Bottom Line

More people are going to move this year, and with the right strategy, you can make sure your house is one of the first they look at.

What do you think these buyers will love most about your house?

Let’s talk it over and make sure it’s front and center in your listing.

Thom Abbott

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

HomeSmart