May 2013

What is the Appraisal?

An appraisal an evaluation of the a property's financial value in the current market. It is required for all properties purchased by people who are using financing/loan services. Before 2008, the lender could select the appraiser which sometimes led to problems with objectivity. Today, the lender no longer has direct contact with the appraiser and the process is much more objective.

Why Your Appraisal Is Low?

During the current environment of rapid home appreciation -- due to low inventory and high demand -- the past sales used to figure home values aren't in great enough supply to support the constant, positive changes in the market in the Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Forsyth County areas. This may result in a lower appraisal…

Recently, the Georgia Department of Education released the scores for the first annual Georgia College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) and our local high schools rank higher than any others in the Fulton County System.

1. Milton High School - 93.5 points
2. Northview High School- 93.3 points
3. Chattahoochee High School - 91.8 points
4. Johns Creek High School - 90.9 points
5. Alpharetta High School - 89 points

Historically, real estate has realized the greatest appreciation in areas with quality schools. The Alpharetta and Johns Creek areas continue to serve residents with superior schools and more prepared graduates. If you would like to buy a home served by these superior schools, call me.

[caption id="attachment_1222" align="aligncenter" width="461"] Barrett Downs Subdivision
2045 Thorncliff Trace
Cumming GA 30040
(Click Image for More Information) [/caption] Last week, I got an up-close and personal look at how the market is exploding for sellers. I listed a house for sale late in the afternoon on Wednesday (you can see a photo of it in my blog for last week). Before the evening was over, I had two blind offers -- before the house was physically shown to anyone. Three more offers surfaced within hours. The house was sold, with a signed contract in hand, less than 24 hours after it was listed. Over the course of two days, I had over 40 phone calls from agents seeking homes for their clients and more calls from individuals looking for a new…

[caption id="attachment_1182" align="aligncenter" width="432"] $289,900.00 -- 10885 Windham Way, Alpharetta, GA 30022 -- 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath, in-ground swimming pool, finished basement[/caption]

Why Your Money Buys More House Now

When the fed quits buying up mortgaged securities and essentially subsidizing homeownership, the party is over. Right now IS the time to buy. With rates well under 4%, anyone who wants a house, and can get approved, should buy. If the strong rally in the stock market continues, you can expect the current, historically low interest rates will to begin to climb. So, if you are trying to decide if now is the buy or sell a home, decide quickly. If you are selling, your potential buyers will thin out as the rates climb and if you…

The market is moving really fast in and around Forsyth County Georgia! While out reviewing the available inventory for some clients I have currently searching for a new home, I went into Wyndham Park subdivision and I noticed something interesting. Not only were all the houses that were for sale, sold -- but the undeveloped lots are also sold. As of today, there are no undeveloped lots for sale. Not one. The Wyndham Park developer reports that they sold 36 home sites in the neighborhood in the last six months. Across the street, in the James Creek Subdivision in North Fulton County, a new subdivision by the same builder (D. R. Horton), has 33 lots and they have done pre-sales. There isn't a single house built to date and they have already sold 26 of…