Atlanta Real Estate

Although the Greek debt swap was a big global event last week, here in the U.S. investors were looking for reports that would indicate additional economic growth. This was accomplished when the jobs report was released by the U.S. government on Friday showing that 227,000 jobs were added to payrolls in February. On the down side, the unemployment rate continues to remain the same at 8.3%. Freerateupdate.com's survey of wholesale and direct lenders shows thatcurrent mortgage ratesremained intact even after the jobs report was released. Still at all time lows, 30 year fixed mortgage rates are at 3.500%, 15 year fixed mortgage rates are at 2.875% and 5/1 adjustable mortgage rates are at 2.250%, all of which are available with 0.7 to 1% origination fee for…

Workers will be eligible to contribute an extra $500 to their 401ks next year, the Internal Revenue Service announced. Employees with higher incomes will also be eligible to get a tax break for saving in a traditional IRA, contribute to a Roth IRA, and qualify for the saver's credit.

Here's a look at how 401k and IRA rules will change in 2012. 

Higher 401k contributions. The contribution limit for 401k's, 403b's, and the federal government's Thrift Savings Plan will increase to $17,000 in 2012, up from $16,500 in 2011. However, catch-up contribution limits for those age 50 and over will remain $5,500.

Increased IRA income limits. IRA contribution limits will remain $5,000 in 2012, and $6,000 for those age 50 and older. And, like this year, only…

Foreclosure was looming for Richard Bernstein, after a divorce and the loss of a job made it impossible for him to make his monthly mortgage payments.So Bernstein decided to try selling his Deerfield, Ill., home as a short sale. It worked, and the home sold for $210,000. It was appraised for more than $500,000 at the height of the market, he said.The icing on the cake: His lender, Chase, cut him a $20,000 check after the deal was finalized, an incentive the bank offered if he sold via a short sale, as opposed to letting the home go into foreclosure. "I don't think enough people know what's possible with a short sale," Bernstein said, although he acknowledges that it takes some luck to sell any home these days, short sale or not. A short sale is when the…

The cost of owning a home is now at its lowest point for 15 years, and is often less expensive than renting. A recent survey for the Wall Street Journal found it was more expensive to rent than buy a median priced property in 12 metro areas, even when taking into account taxes and insurance.

This should be boosting the housing market, but buyers remain unwilling to commit to a mortgage or unable to qualify for one, with the legacy of the recession still holding fast. Atlanta is one of the areas where values are most favorable for owning compared to renting, with the monthly repayments on an average property being just $539 provided the homeowner can put down a 20% deposit. This compares to an average rent of $140.

According to economists and real…

Atlanta is one of the best cities for property investing. Everyone wants the inside track, a way of somehow rising above their competitors who are trying to buy the right houses. And, because everyone is looking for good neighborhoods and appreciation value tagged to the houses they purchase, it makes perfect sense to be scouting Atlanta for your next property venture. Why Atlanta? In this article we lay out 5 reasons why this city represents one of the best areas for property investing.


1. Job Growth Potential

Atlanta has many industries, companies, and opportunities for people looking for work. This means that the communities within Atlanta won't be run down. You can bet that with all of these jobs coming out, there will be no shortage of employment…

In the heart of Roswell, the Hawthorne subdivision is a unique enclave of 14 single-family homes, four of which are Monte Hewett Homes. These spectacular, all brick homes start in the mid $500s and feature:

• 5 bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms3-car garages
• full walkout basements
• gourmet kitchens, exquisite bathrooms, and more!

Large homesites with established trees await homebuyers in this distinguished Roswell community.

Click here for property brochure.

#hawthorne#

Most homeowners have taken a hit in the housing market. But imagine taking a $33.5 million hit.

An Atlanta-based entrepreneur recently sold a mansion in Forsyth County in Georgia for a 75% price cut, according to Zillow.

In 2006, Hubert Humphrey, a businessman who got his start as a railroad breakman, finished building a palatial compound that racked up nearly $50 million in construction costs. The Cheatu, Le Rêve, which means "The Dream" in French, was listed in 2009 for $45 million and went into foreclosure in 2010.

As the estate grew grander, costs spiraled out of control. Some of the features included: seven bedrooms, nine full baths, 11 half-baths, 10 fireplaces and two elevators. Jaw-dropping amenities also include a private 18-hole golf course,…

Recently renovated and updated, this home is like-new and boasts amazing architectural details and elegance throughout. The stunning craftsmanship of this estate represents luxury at its finest. Situated on over an acre of land, this home offers magnificent features including two kitchens, eight bedrooms, luxurious master suite on main, home theater, wine cellar, and two elegant studies. Entertain in the gourmet kitchen which features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, custom island, gas cooktop, and separate eating area. The lovely master suite on the main level features a cozy sitting area, morning bar, and spa-like bath. The upper level is home to four spacious secondary bedrooms, two full baths, and second study. The finished terrace…

The economy is starting to improve but the housing market has yet to show any significant signs of recovery, which has homeowners nervous.

Home prices are hovering near their recession lows, hit in April 2009, according to the latest Case-Shiller home-price report. It’s a buyer’s market and by many projections, it won’t shift to a seller’s market for a good year or more.

So, how do homeowners, who have most of their equity in depressed real estate, slog through until it becomes a seller’s market?

Here are 10 tips from real-estate moguls who have survived several housing-market downturns.

1. Homeowners should be very encouraged by the fact that home buyer sentiment has improved.

“The mood has definitely changed … Buyers are…

Few things are scarier than the prospect of losing your home to foreclosure. Scam artists know that and will test your vulnerability by offering “phantom help” as part of a foreclosure scam. Knowing the difference between legitimate help and a foreclosure scam can prevent you from losing your home.

How do they hook you?

Phantom helpers may blanket a hard-hit town or neighborhood with a direct mail campaign promising relief for those threatened by foreclosure. When you’re feeling desperate—and when panic sets in—good judgment goes out the door.

What do phantom scammers do to you?

Of course, just because they seek you out when you’re feeling vulnerable doesn’t mean you have to yield. A cool head and education are your best…