3 Tips for Buying a Home in Marietta

Deciding between the prestigious northern suburbs of Atlanta can be tough, but Marietta is definitely in the running as one of the best places to live in metro Atlanta. If you are looking for the perfect house for your family, Marietta real estate is worth exploring. Take a look at some of our best blog posts for anyone interested in buying a house in Marietta.

Marietta Square

Buying a House in Marietta

Marietta GA: Sunny and Smart

Two of the best parts of buying a home in Marietta are the area’s rich history and vibrant educational institutions. Take a peek into the past and present of Marietta to get a feel for your new home town.

Buying a High End Home

Buying a high-end home presents different challenges than homes priced at mid-level or below,  so it’s important to have the assistance of a great Marietta Realtor before you begin. Learn everything you need to know about financing, inspections, and working with a Realtor.

Rent or Buy? CNN Money Says to Buy Homes for Sale in Marietta GA!

With low mortgage interest rates and rents maintaining at a premium price, it just makes good financial sense to buy a house in Marietta rather than renting. The transition from renter to homeowner can seem intimidating, but with a good Marietta Realtor by your side, you’ll be glad you took the plunge!

For assistance selling a home in Marietta GA, contact me, Barry Wolfert, Associate Broker at Keller Williams Realty Consultants. As an experienced and professional Realtor, I can help you sell your home quickly, and for a great price. My in-depth knowledge of the Marietta real estate market will guarantee you results, not excuses. 

 

 

 

3 Things You Need to Know When Buying a Luxury Home

buying luxury real estate Cobb CountyWhether you are a first time buyer or have purchased multiple homes, buying a luxury home entails a more complicated process than lower-priced properties. To ensure you end up with a home you will enjoy for years to come, it’s important to know these tips for buying luxury real estate.

Financing Luxury Real Estate

The majority of luxury real estate buyers purchase homes with loans, as opposed to only a third who pay cash. But contrary to popular belief, cash buyers don’t always have the upper hand. Luxury buyers who offer good terms and a large down payment (think 30% of the full price) will almost certainly trump cash buyers looking to undercut the market price.

When it comes to getting a home loan approved by your bank, count on waiting longer. The approval process could take up to 60 days and requires extra documentation and verification.

Don’t Neglect Inspections

Luxury homes come with more amenities and features than lower-priced homes- but that can also mean more potential problems. From pools and home theaters to home automation and security systems, it’s important to have a thorough inspection. Some of the home’s systems could even necessitate specialized home inspections. Be patient and give the professionals time to adequately vet your potential home.

Work with a Realtor

Considering the specialized nature of luxury real estate, it is even more important to work with an experienced Realtor who knows the ins and outs of the field. Pricing of luxury homes is often tricky, so choosing an agent who is well-versed in the local luxury real estate market means you will get a better idea of what is reasonable or not. Agents who do not routinely handle luxury real estate transactions won’t be able to give you the necessary guidance.

Despite the extra steps involved in buying a luxury home, with the help of an experienced Realtor you will be thrilled with your purchase. To explore Cobb County luxury real estate and the surrounding areas, browse Marietta, Alpharetta, and Roswell homes for sale.

For more information on how to purchase a home or market your home for sale, contact me, Barry Wolfert, Associate Broker at Keller Williams Realty Consultants. As an experienced and professional Realtor within the luxury market, I can help you sell your home for the most money and in the shortest period of time. My in-depth knowledge of the real estate market throughout north Atlanta will guarantee you results, not excuses.

 

Where Have All The Houses Gone?

 

Have you noticed For Sale signs recently?  They’ve been inflicted with a “rare” disease called Under Contract-itis – and it’s spreading.

Available homes for sale in Atlanta are becoming more rare.

 

Here are the facts:

  • September 2012 – 40% of available listings are under contract and in pending status; 19% increase year over year
  • July – September 2012 – over 12,200 homes sold; 1,000 more than in the same period the previous year
  • September 2012 – 3.2 months supply of inventory vs 5.7 months in September 2011
  • September 2012 – $156,900 median sales price vs. $145,000 median sales price for September 2011
  • July – September 2012 - median days on market was 74 vs. 105 for the same period the previous year [Read more...]

Thinking of buying a home in Marietta GA? Read this.

Nearly 3/4 of homebuyers put as little as 3.5% down to buy their home. Some can even buy with NO down payment. Contact me to find out how you can take advantage of low rates, low down payments during this Golden Age of Real Estate!

Watch this quick video.

Home Buyer Tip #5-Buy or Sell First

Home Buyer Tips

These tips answer many common home buyer questions.  They apply to whether your buying a high rise condo in Atlanta, a townhome in Smyrna or a single family home in Marietta or anywhere in Georgia.

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The classic dilemma for many homeowners is whether to buy or sell first.

There is no “right” answer. It depends on your specific circumstances and finances.

Most homeowners agree that it’s more prudent and less stressful if you sell your existing home before you buy a new one. However, if a great buying opportunity presents itself, you might consider buying first.  Then, you can be more aggressive in selling your current home knowing you have already secured a good deal on the buying side.

If you sell your current home first but haven’t found the right new home, you may need to rent for a period of time until you find the right home.  Having cash in hand is always an advantage and may allow you to negotiate better terms since you are now waiting for your other home to sell.  No one wants to move twice but sometimes it can have an advantage.

If you currently own a home, I would be happy to provide you with a current market valuation so you know what your home is worth today. I can provide you with a precise valuation by briefly visiting your home.

Please call or email me when you’re ready to discuss your options or if you would like a valuation of your current home. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can answer any questions.

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All Home Buyer Tips

Home Buyer Tip #4-Items To Consider

Home Buyer Tips

These tips answer many common home buyer questions.  They apply to whether your buying a high rise condo in Atlanta, a townhome in Smyrna or a single family home in Marietta or anywhere in Georgia.

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When we begin looking for a home, we often get wrapped up in the physical details like style, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and amenities. But we don’t always consider the quality of life issues that may impact your ability to enjoy the home. Here are some other things you should keep in mind:

* Transportation is an important consideration that’s often overlooked. Consider traffic flow and commute time.

* Recreational facilities such as playgrounds, parks, and pools are important to many people. Are they nearby? Is there a fee for these amenities?

* How far is the grocery store, day care and school?

Be realistic. There are no perfect homes. Decide what’s most important to you, and make sure you find a home that has the essential features that you require. Be prepared to compromise on some of the items on your wish list in order to get others.

As your personal real estate consultant, I will help you identify the key items and assist you in prioritizing them. When you’re ready to purchase a home, I’ll be happy to answer any questions and help you find a house that truly feels like a home to you.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can answer any questions.

RELATED POSTS:

All Home Buyer Tips

Home Buyer Tip #3-Making A Move

Home Buyer Tips

These tips answer many common home buyer questions.  They apply to whether your buying a high rise condo in Atlanta, a townhome in Smyrna or a single family home in Marietta or anywhere in Georgia.

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When you’re thinking about making a move, here are a few things you should consider:

* Being clear on why you are moving.

* Deciding when you want to make your move.

* Considering how much money you would like to spend.

* Thinking about what type of home you would like .

* Deciding where you would like to live.

The next step is usually finding out how much you can qualify for and deciding the type of financing that will work best for you. I am happy to refer you lenders I work with who can answer your questions and get you pre-approved.

As you get more serious about buying, you will want to speak with a lender about getting pre-approved. The lender will determine how much you can borrow based on financial information you provide.

Once you’re ready to start the process, I’d be happy to meet with you help outline your goals and needs and discuss the what to expect during the buying process. Please don’t hesitate to call or email me for additional information about the buying process. My goal is to provide you with practical information as you consider your next move. And, when you’re ready to make your move, I’ll help you find your dream home and handle all the details of the transaction, so all you need to do is pack!

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can answer any questions.

RELATED POSTS:

All Home Buyer Tips

Home Buyer Tip #2-Wish List

Home Buyer Tips

These tips answer many common home buyer questions.  They apply to whether your buying a high rise condo in Atlanta, a townhome in Smyrna or a single family home in Marietta or anywhere in Georgia.

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What type of home are you looking for?


There are so many factors to consider that it is important to have an idea of what you want and need before you begin looking. As a real estate professional, part of the service I provide is to assist you in making a checklist of your needs and prioritizing this list with you.

The list below may help you clarify your thinking on what is important to you when you are ready to purchase.

* What type of neighborhood would you like to live in?

* What monthly payment are you comfortable with?

* What type of home interests you? (one-story, two-story, split-entry, townhouse, condo)

* What style appeals to you? (contemporary, traditional, ranch)

* Are schools a factor?

* How long of a commute are you comfortable with?

* How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need?  How many do you want?

* What features are important to you? (basement, fenced yard, office, etc.)

* What about exterior features such as # of garages, corner lot, cul de sac?

* Which of these are MUST have and which are NICE to have?

When you are ready to start your search, I will be happy to help you find a home that meets your needs. My goal is to make this a fun and enjoyable experience and to use my experience to find you the right home.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can answer any questions.

RELATED POSTS:

All Home Buyer Tips

Home Buyer Tip #1-Buying A Home

Home Buyer Tips

These tips answer many common home buyer questions.  They apply to whether your buying a high rise condo in Atlanta, a townhome in Smyrna or a single family home in Marietta or anywhere in Georgia.

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When is the right time to buy?

People buy homes for a variety of reasons. Some want to become established in a community or to provide a more permanent home for their family. Others are motivated by good schools or commute time. And, many know that real estate is a good long-term investment.

[Read more...]