Real Estate Blog

In a few of our more recent posts, we’ve highlighted the many wonderful communities that central Atlanta has to offer. From Old Fourth Ward to Midtown to Buckhead to downtown to Kirkwood to Inman park to Poncey-Highlands…there’s a lot to like about the idea of living in the heart of Atlanta.

In today’s post, we are going to continue with the trend, with a slight twist — highlighting some nearby neighborhoods that aren’t in the proper heart of Atlanta, yet still have a lot to offer. What’s more, they are also neighborhoods and communities that we know very well here at Team Sterling, and as such we’d love to describe them for anyone who is thinking about moving to Atlanta.

Why Team Sterling?

But before we dive straight in, we’d like to explain

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lake lanier

 

Summer is right around the corner and if you are like most people, you are already dreaming of a getaway to your favorite lake, beach, or mountains. You might even be considering how you could spend more time there. Investing in a second home can be a smart decision if you are looking for a home you will retire to in the future or an investment you can enjoy in your time off while renting it out to vacationers when you’re at your primary residence. Buying a second home is different that purchasing a primary residence. Here are a few things to consider.

  1. Location: The same effort you put into finding the perfect location for your primary residence should go into researching your second home’s location. If you are considering renting the

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Want to increase your home's value up to $50K? A National Association of Realtors 2018 study reported that 61% of clients are interested in sustainability and 78% considered utility costs important. The average homeowner spends almost $2,000 annually on utilities. What is sucking up all that energy? According to the US Department of Energy, 41% goes to heating rooms, 17% to heating water, 6% to air conditioning, and the remaining 36% powers lighting, appliances, and electronics. 

1. ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Other studies have shown that adding energy efficient features that lower utility costs can increase the sales price by approximately $10,000-$50,000. By investing in energy efficient features, you can improve your home’s

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tips for buying new home construction

I’m going to tell you a secret: a new home builder’s real estate agent works for the builder, not for you. Many people don’t realize this. While you will get a fair deal from your builder’s agent, a buyer’s agent that represents you is a valuable resource you shouldn’t dismiss.  Purchasing new home construction is much different than purchasing a resale home. The process is typically much longer and the contract can be more complex. An expert buyer’s agent can advise you during contract negotiations and help you get the best value. So listen up! These tricks of the trade are just a few things to ask your buyer’s agent about before you visit your builder’s sales center.

QUALITY CONSTRUCTION

Not all builders are equal. Choosing the wrong builder

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 The skyrocketing cost of college tuition is an investment in your child’s future, but for many parents tacking on the high cost of college housing is often a bitter pill to swallow.  According to The College Board, the national average cost of room and board for in-state schools is around $44,000 for four years and higher for private institutions. Depending on the school, this might be a cramped dorm room with bunk beds, a community bathroom, and limited security. Demand for more posh campus housing has made that cost substantially higher at some schools. CollegeFactual.com reports for 2018/19 room and board at Georgia State University is $14,392 and $13,894 at Emory University.  As a result, many parents are considering alternatives to on-campus

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westside village

Years ago, Atlanta’s West Midtown - the area south of Vinings and West of Buckhead -was hardly a place successful professionals would consider a move up. As the Atlanta Beltline’s progress has expanded westward, it has brought renewed cachet and a new moniker: “The Upper Westside” to what was once predominantly factories, warehouses, working class homes, and dilapidated industrial properties. Now the The Upper Westside is where young professionals, families, and empty nesters are finding their “deluxe apartment is the sky”. Luxury lofts, mid-rise condos, brand new townhomes, quaint bungalow communities, and trendy renovated flips coupled with major retail developments and new greenspaces have turned West Midtown/Upper Westside area into one of

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 spring happenings in midtown atlanta

Atlanta is famous amongst major metropolises for its lush parks and green cityscapes. For those in the know, spring is the best time to enjoy this luxury before Atlanta’s more infamous claim to fame makes its dramatic appearance: sweltering summer humidity. Gorgeous city skylines complemented by diverse neighbors and a walkable community bustling with a variety of trendy dining, boutique shopping, and world-class entertainment options have made Midtown is one of Atlanta’s most lively communities year-round. But Spring...ahh,spring in Midtown.

 Only a few steps from the many new Midtown condo buildings is a true focal point of the Midtown Atlanta year-round, 189-acre Piedmont Park.  Home to miles of walking trails, sports fields, tennis courts,

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first time home buyers are couples

According to the National Association of Realtors, in 2018 54% of all first time home buyers were married couples. For many, having a household with two incomes makes saving for and purchasing a home more affordable. If you and your significant other are about to tie the knot or already have, it’s a good time to consider your plans for purchasing a home.  These tips can help you get ready for your next move!

1. Swap Your Wedding Gift Registry for a Savings Account

In the US, the average wedding costs over $25,000. If you can’t bring yourself to opt out of the big day and save that money for a downpayment, enlist your guests’ generosity. Instead of dishes and flatware from a wedding registry, open a savings account and request that your guests

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Looking to buy or sell in Atlanta and have questions?

Team Sterling has the answers.

The real estate market is complex and can raise a lot of questions for people.  If it’s your first purchase in Georgia you’ll need to be aware of local market rules and regulations specific to your situation.  That’s where Team Sterling can be a big help.  We are more than real estate agents, we are Real Estate Wealth Advisors.  We are here to consult with you, answer questions, and assist you in making informed decisions. 

Team Sterling Realtor Annie Tran has moved many times and is very familiar with the questions that arise in this situation.  We asked her to answer a few more common questions frequently asked.

 

“I’m a small business owner and want

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Conventional wisdom says that spring is the best time to list your home to get the highest sales price with the lowest number of days on market. After all, when the weather warms up buyers who have been hibernating all winter come out to enjoy the sights and seek-out greener pastures!  The facts back this up. According to research, two of the top 5 days of the year to close with seller’s earning a premium of 8-9% are May 29th and 31st. Homes sold at any time during May typically earn a seller premium of close to 6%, the highest of any month. As a seller, this means you need to start preparing your home now so you are ready to list in April to increase your chances of a sale during this golden hour.

Getting Your Home Ready to List

Getting

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