Atlanta Condos For Sale

Buyers: You May Face Less Competition as Bidding Wars Ease

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Buyers: You May Face Less Competition as Bidding Wars Ease

Buyers: You May Face Less Competition as Bidding Wars Ease | MyKCM

Buyers, you may face less competition as bidding wars ease, and we also see an increase in inventory in various locations in Atlanta! One of the top stories in recent real estate headlines was the intensity and frequency of bidding wars. With so many buyers looking to purchase a home and so few of them available for sale, fiercely competitive bidding wars became the norm during the pandemic – and it drove home prices up. If you tried to buy a house over the past two years, you probably experienced this firsthand and may have been outbid on several homes along the way.

But here’s the news you’ve been waiting for: data shows clear signs bidding wars are easing this year.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average number of offers on recently sold homes has declined considerably over the past few months (see graph below):

Buyers: You May Face Less Competition as Bidding Wars Ease | MyKCM

The graph shows homes were seeing a high of around five offers earlier this year. But the latest data shows that average was down to just shy of three offers per recently sold home. This shift is happening largely because rising mortgage rates moderated buyer demand and slowed home sales, resulting in a growing supply of homes on the market. Essentially, more choices for buyers. These stats are on a national level…locally in Atlanta, we are still seeing multiple offers on choice properties, but we are also seeing the return of financing contingencies, due diligence periods and even Seller paid closing costs. 

What This Means for You

If you put your home search on pause because you were outbid last year or because you didn’t want to deal with the peak intensity of bidding wars, you can breathe a welcome sigh of relief. While it’s still a sellers’ market, an uptick in inventory gives you a window of opportunity to jump back in. You may still be competing with some buyers, but it likely won’t be anything like it was just a few short months ago.

Bottom Line

If you put your plans on pause because of intense bidding wars in recent years (or months), it may be time to kick off your home search. Today, bidding wars are easing and that may mean less competition for you as a buyer. If you’re serious about buying a home or making a move, let’s connect to get started today.

If you are a first-time home buyer, we are ready to help you! Check out our Buyer’s Guide…a series of articles that will walk you through the home buying process. And of course, we will be there every step of the way with you! Give us a call and let’s talk about your home buying needs! 

Should I Rent Or Should I Buy?

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Should I Rent or Should I Buy?

Should I Rent or Should I Buy? [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM

Some Highlights

  • It’s worth considering the many benefits of homeownership before you make the decision to rent or buy a home.
  • When you buy, you can stabilize your housing costs, own a tangible asset, and grow your net worth as you gain equity. When you rent, you face rising housing costs, won’t see a return on your investment, and limit your ability to save.
  • If you want to learn more about the benefits of homeownership, let’s connect today. You can contact us via email at Info (at) MyMidtownMojo.com or fill out our Buyer Questionnaire! 

Wondering Where You’ll Move if You Sell Your House Today?

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Wondering Where You’ll Move if You Sell Your House Today?

Wondering Where You’ll Move if You Sell Your House Today? | MyKCM

If you were wondering where you’ll move if you sold your house today and if you put a pause on your home search , it might be a good time to get back into the market. That’s because today’s market is undergoing a shift, and the supply of homes for sale is increasing as a result. That means you may have a better chance of finding a home that will meet your current needs. Here are some options to consider.

Buying an Existing Home Can Give You That Lived-in Charm

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the supply of existing homes (a home that’s been previously owned) has steadily increased since the beginning of the year. The graph below indicates inventory levels are rising, and that’s largely due to more homes coming onto the market and the pace of sales slowing:

Wondering Where You’ll Move if You Sell Your House Today? | MyKCM

As the graph shows, if you’re looking for a home with lived-in charm, supply is rising, and that’s great news for you.

Danielle Hale, Chief Economist for realtor.com, gives insight into why more homeowners are listing their homes and adding to the growing supply of existing homes today:

“Home sellers in many markets across the country continue to benefit from rising home prices and fast-selling homes. That’s prompted a growing number of homeowners to sell homes this year compared to last, giving home shoppers much needed options. We’ve seen more homes come up for sale this year compared to last year . . .”

There are several benefits to buying an existing home. Many buyers want to purchase a home with history, and the character of older houses is hard to reproduce. Existing homes can often be part of an established neighborhood featuring mature landscaping that can give you additional privacy and boost your curb appeal.

Plus, timing can be a consideration as well. With an existing home, you can move in based on the timeline you agree to with the sellers, rather than building a new home and waiting for construction to finish. This is something to keep in mind, especially if you need to move sooner rather than later.

Just remember, while more sellers are listing their homes, supply is still low overall. That means you’ll have more options to choose from as you search for your next home, but you’ll still need to be prepared for a fast-moving market.

Purchasing a Newly Built or Under Construction Home Means Brand New Everything

Census data shows there’s an increasing number of new homes available for sale. It includes homes that are under construction, soon to be completed, and fully built. As the graph below highlights, the supply of new homes for sale has also grown this year:

Wondering Where You’ll Move if You Sell Your House Today? | MyKCM

When building a new home, you can create your perfect living space and customize it to your lifestyle. That could mean everything from requesting energy efficient options to specific design features. Plus, you’ll have the benefit of all new appliances, windows, roofing, and more. These can all help lower your energy costs, which can add up to significant savings over time.

The lower maintenance that comes with a newer home is another great advantage. When you have a new home, you likely won’t have as many little repairs to tackle, like leaky faucets, shutters to paint, and other odd jobs around the house. And with new construction, you’ll also have warranty options that may cover portions of your investment for the first few years.

Keep in mind, purchasing a new home could mean waiting a considerable amount of time before you can move. Robert Dietz, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Economics and Housing Policy at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), explains:

“New single-family home inventory remained elevated at a 7.7 months’ supply. . . . However, only 8.3% of new home inventory is completed and ready to occupy. The remaining have not started construction (25.9%) or are currently under construction.”

That’s an important factor when making your decision and one you should discuss with a trusted real estate advisor. They’ll help you think through all the pros and cons of both new and existing homes to help you arrive at your best decision.

Bottom Line

If you were wondering where you’ll move if you sell your house today….with the supply of homes for sale rising, you have options for your next home no matter what your preferences are. If you have questions or want help deciding what’s best for you, let’s connect and start the conversation today.

Clients Become Friends at Thomas Ramon Group and MyMidtownMojo!

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Clients Become Friends at Thomas Ramon Group and MyMidtownMojo!

In the world of real estate, I cross the paths of many different kinds of people. It is probably what makes working in the real estate industry so rewarding…at least for me! 

Getting to know people as you help them with such a large financial decision, and a life decision as well! I will admit there are some people that I lose contact with…they move out of state, and we just don’t keep in touch like those that live here in Atlanta. It’s not for trying, it just happens. But then there are those, that become friends for life, and you really appreciate those relationships. Terry and Sue’s testimonial is one example of that kind of relationship….

 

MyMidtownMojo TestimonialIt was a football Saturday probably in 2007. Sue and I walked along Peachtree St. at 5th Street near the Georgia Tech campus. Although not a resident of Georgia at that time, we spent a lot of time in midtown for Georgia Tech functions and I worked out of Atlanta. We were window shopping and became interested in midtown condominiums. Given the amount of time that I spent in Atlanta hotels, the thought of having a condominium in Atlanta became very appealing. With the proximity to Georgia Tech and a MARTA station, a midtown condo seemed perfect for my situation.

So there we were window shopping on Peachtree and Thom Abbott came out from his real estate office to meet us and offer any help. My family lived in the Atlanta area and the State of Georgia for many generations; I knew my way around Atlanta. Shortly into the conversation with Thom, I realized that Thom knew midtown very well – the neighborhoods, the trends, the people, the businesses, etc. – and certainly knew a lot more than I about midtown. Thom takes the time to meet condo management teams; he truly understands midtown’s pulse. Thus began a business relationship which is now about 15 years strong and today is both business and friendship.

I’m not sure how many times Sue and I came to Atlanta and got together with Thom to look at condominiums and discuss the market. Previously I had never owned a condo; Thom took the time to make sure we understood the finer points of condo ownership and living. Our midtown condo was a second home and simply a one-bedroom one-bath unit. We looked off and on for maybe two years and at no point did Thom ever pressure us to hurry up and make a decision or to buy more than we need for our second home. I owned property in another state which I needed to sell in order to buy the Atlanta condo. Thom was totally patient and understanding of that situation.

In due time the out of state property sold and in March 2009 we bought our midtown condo. Sue and I could not be happier with the condo selection. Thom’s knowledge and experience in midtown condos was most valuable. My time both before and after work was very enjoyable. Of course walking to Georgia Tech functions (football, baseball, basketball, band, alumni, etc.) was really nice and we never had to worry about parking. The condo was perfect for our needs.

Sue and I stayed in contact with Thom Abbott throughout the years. Thom hosted some social gatherings which were very interesting and his way of keeping his finger on midtown’s pulse. Midtown has seen incredible changes since the 1960s. Thom studies and knows the market. He is a valuable real estate agent whether he represents the buyer or seller.

A lot changed from 2009 to 2022. In about 2020 I decided to sell the condo. I hated doing that but now retired I lost most of my reasons for coming to Atlanta. Sue and I coordinated with Thom about how best to present the condo for sale. Covid hit right then and Thom’s patience was once again tested. The real estate market fluctuated some during the pandemic and once again Thom offered valuable market advice. Finally in March 2022 the condo was ready to put on the market. Thom was the selling agent and the condo sold quickly.

After many years, the midtown condo has come and gone. I have many, many really nice memories of my time in the midtown condo. One thing remains – my friendship with Thom Abbott.

Thank you Terry and Sue for the opportunity to help you with your Midtown Atlanta real estate needs…and your friendship. Clients Become Friends at Thomas Ramon Group and MyMidtownMojo!

 

It’s a Great Feeling to Have Happy Clients!

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Testimonials for Thom AbbottIt’s a great feeling to have happy clients! I so enjoy working in real estate and helping people realize their “real estate goals” in the way of buying and selling. Real estate, the buying and selling of, is a complex process with many moving parts. It can be a very stressful time for either a Buyer or a Seller. But my role, is to absorb as much of that stress away from my clients as I can, and with my knowledge and my team, be able to create a memorable real estate experience that is positive. 

Dave and Adam found me online back in 2017 when they were looking to buy their first home. They worked for a major cruise line, and had literally lived out of suitcases for years! How crazy is that! They settled on Atlanta as a place to call home (Dave is originally from South Georgia). We looked at several condominium complexes and finally found just the perfect one for them. They had a great lender with Michele Wentworth with Silverton Mortgage.  She was even able to attend the closing with Dave and Adam as I was already scheduled to be out of the country on a trip. We became great friends and I always looked forward to their return to Atlanta from the high seas! Of course, the pandemic turned the cruise industry upside down…and they were able to ride it out with their company. A great land-based opportunity became available for Adam in Los Angeles, and so the Atlanta chapter of their lives came to a close!  We were able to work through an appraisal issue, and get them to their Celebration Day!  Here’s what they had to say about their selling experience:

“This is our second opportunity working with Thom. He has guided us through the purchase and now the sale of our first property. If we were not leaving the State, Thom is the ONLY person we would work with in real estate. His knowledge is so vast and his guidance is invaluable. Thom sets clear expectations on the ever changing market and remains in constant communication. You always feel like a priority when you work with Thom and his support, kindness and attention to detail is like no other.
Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned real estate investor, Thom should be the person you choose to work with!”

My best wishes to Adam and Dave on this next part of their life journey! I know we will remain friends, and our paths will cross again! Thanks for your trust and your friendship! 

Why Rising Mortgage Rates Push Buyers off the Fence

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Why Rising Mortgage Rates Push Buyers off the Fence

Why Rising Mortgage Rates Push Buyers off the Fence | MyKCM

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably heard mortgage rates are rising and have wondered what that means for you. Since mortgage rates have increased over two percentage points this year, it’s natural to think about how this will impact your homeownership plans.

Today, buyers are reacting in one of two ways: they’re either making the decision to buy now before rates climb higher or they’re waiting it out in hopes rates will fall. Let’s look at some context that can help you understand why so many buyers are jumping off the fence and into action rather than waiting to buy.

A Look Back: How the Current Mortgage Rate Compares to Historical Data

One factor that could help you make your decision to buy now is how today’s mortgage rates compare to historical data. While higher than the average 30-year fixed rate in recent years, the latest rates are still comparatively low when you look at the bigger picture of where rates have been since 1971 (see graph below):

Why Rising Mortgage Rates Push Buyers off the Fence | MyKCM

Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains it like this:

“. . . historical context is important. An average 30-year, fixed mortgage rate of 5.5 percent is still well below the historical average of nearly 8 percent.”

If you’re deciding whether to buy now or wait, this is important context to have. Today’s mortgage rate still gives you a window of opportunity to lock in a rate that’s comparatively lower than decades past.

A Look Ahead: What Happens if Rates Climb Further

The buyers who are springing into action now are also motivated to make their move because they know rates have risen steadily this year, and they’re eager to get ahead of any further increases.

Why? When mortgage rates climb, they impact the monthly mortgage payment you’ll have on the home you’re buying. Basically, it’ll likely cost you more to buy a home if you wait. Experts say mortgage rates will rise (although more moderately) in the months ahead. Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, explains:

“. . . ongoing inflationary pressure remains likely to push mortgage rates even higher in the months to come.”

So, if you’re ready and financially able to buy now, it may make more sense to get off the fence and make your purchase sooner rather than later. As Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:

“With even higher interest rates on the horizon, I don’t see any reason to hold off from purchasing a home right now. If you feel financially secure, you should start looking for a home.”

At the end of the day, there is no perfect advice on when to buy a home. What you should do depends on your goals, your finances, and your personal situation. Use this information with the help of local real estate professionals to make an informed decision on what’s best for you. The Mortgage Reports sums it up best:

“. . . if you’re on the fence about whether to buy now or wait for a better deal, buying sooner rather than later might be wise. That said, home buying is always a personal decision. Whether you should buy in 2022 depends on your financial situation and the local housing market where you live.”

Bottom Line

For many buyers, rising mortgage rates are motivating them to act now and make a purchase before rates rise higher. To decide what move is best for you, let’s connect so you have expert advice on your side. You can reach me HERE!

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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