Tips for Choosing an Atlanta Real Estate Agent

The real estate agent you choose for your Atlanta real estate agent transaction may make all the difference in the deal you get. The right agent will make sure you get the best price on your transaction and ensure the entire process goes as smoothly as possible. We have four tips for choosing the best Atlanta real estate agent for your needs.

Buying or Selling?

You may choose a different Atlanta real estate agent based on whether you are buying or selling your home. A buyer's agent represents the best interests of the buyer, in terms of getting the best price and terms. By the same token, the seller's agent may keep information about the home to himself, if it might negatively impact the sale of the home. Make sure you choose an agent that best represents your end of the sale.

Experience

While Atlanta real estate experience is important, it is even more essential for the real estate agent you choose to have experience in your particular community or neighborhood. The real estate industry tends to be inundated with newcomers that boast little experience in the actual market, so make sure the agent you choose has the necessary experience to get you the best deal possible.

Education and Credentials

Licensing is crucial when choosing an Atlanta real estate agent for your home purchase or sale. This professional will be responsible for ensuring that every piece of paper that goes into your closing is 100 percent accurate. He will also help you get the best deal and minimize your hassles along the way. Those who make Atlanta real estate a full-time profession – and have the professional credentials to prove it – will usually be your best bet in negotiating your own Atlanta real estate transaction.

Qualifications

The Atlanta real estate agent you choose should have passed at least 15, eight-hour courses and passed examinations in Georgia to prove that they are qualified to handle your real estate transaction. In addition, the agent should belong to a multiple listing service and hold certain real estate distinctions to illustrate her commitment and experience. Real estate agents should work a minimum of 30 hours each week to be considered full-time Atlanta real estate agents as well.

Choosing the right Atlanta real estate agent makes all the difference in the success of the sale or purchase of your home. By following these tips, you can make the most of your next Atlanta real estate transaction.

When is the Right Time to Purchase your First Piece of Atlanta Real Estate?

The price of homes for sale in Atlanta along with mortgage rates are at the lowest levels in years, could this be the right time to make a purchase?

Owning a home is undoubtedly one of the biggest investments most people will ever make. However, it may also be one of the best decisions ever made, both in terms of finances and security.

Aside from being financially prepared to purchase a home, you may consider other factors as well when deciding whether purchasing a home should be in your near future.

• Make a check payable to your future.  Instead of a writing a rent check to a landlord each month, you can instead invest your money in a strong, long-term home investment. Some individuals look to owning a home simply because they want their money to start working for them, instead of essentially throwing it away in rent.

• Evaluate the tax advantages.  Think in terms of tax deductions when considering the financial aspects of purchasing a home. Most homeowners itemize their home deductions on their tax returns and deduct such things as home mortgage insurance, property real estate taxes, state income taxes, personal property taxes and even moving expenses.

• Consider all the financial aspects.  Don’t just consider the cost of the home when considering your monthly budget and whether you will come out ahead by buying instead of renting. In other words, compare not only the principal and interest on the loan, but also such things as homeowner’s insurance, taxes, and in some cases, private mortgage insurance.

• Calculate all buying costs.  When considering your costs, don’t forget to also factor in closing costs, related fees like the title insurance fee, the survey, the loan origination fee, attorney fees, and even points on the loan.

• Make room for repair and maintenance.  Your monthly household budget, as a homeowner, will also include maintenance and repair on the home.  It may also include costs associated with updating or remodeling the home to best suit your needs and wants.

• Enjoy long-term equity.  Don’t forget the beauty of long-term equity when determining if owning a home is right for you.  Although the economy over the last few years has left many people in precarious situations regarding their homes, the truth is that owning a home is still one of the best financial decisions you can make. In addition, lenders have dramatically changed their lending requirements from the real estate boom and bust, which means your loan terms for a new home should be decidedly more conservative.

To speak with a professional Atlanta Realtor, contact Tina Fountain Realtors at 404-842-1555

Roswell - Home Sold

Tina Fountain Realtors continues to sell homes in the city of Roswell located just 20 minutes outside of Atlanta. Roswell has become a popular suburb over the years with the award winning schools and easy commute to downtown. In 2005, Roswell was named a contender for CNN's list of Top 100 Places to Live. With the growing demand for real estate located in Roswell, Tina Fountain Realtors is pleased to announce the recent closing of 125 Annie Cook Way which was formerly owned by a world famous athlete.

For more information on homes for sale in Roswell or any other homes for sale in the Atlanta area, please visit tinafountain.com/ for more information or call 404-842-1555 to speak with a representative.

Tips on Selling Your Home

Tina Fountain Realtors recently posted a blog on what to do when selling your home. The blog gives 5 steps that a seller and their agent should take when the property is on the market. The second tip listed suggests that you use a technologically advanced real estate company and agent to assist in the sell of your home. While "it’s estimated that over 80% of today’s home buyers begin their home search via the internet, while over 95% of all home buyers will use the internet to assist in helping find their next home" it is crucial that the agent and the agent's company have access to the best technology on the market to help get your home sold. Tina Fountain Realtors utilizes the internet with top notch technology to help buyers find their dream home and to assist sellers with the marketing of their property.

For more information on buying or selling Atlanta real estate, please visit tinafountain.com

Search Atlanta Homes For Sale on Your Cell Phone!

Tina Fountain Realtors recently launched a new feature to the already technologically advanced website tinafountain.com. Home buyers can now search for prospective homes and properties from the convenience of their web enabled cell phones like Blackberry, iPhone, Droid, and HTC. This feature does not require registration to use the search engine. Buyers can narrow down the search by exact address, zip code, city name, FMLS number, and even subdivision name. To search Atlanta homes for sale visit www.tinafountain.com/. If you are at your computer and would like to search for homes on our main site please visit https://www.tinafountain.com/

Cobb County Search Page!

Tina Fountain Realtors recently launched a new website specifically designed for searching Cobb County homes for sale.

The website is similar to the main home page but with listings exclusively located in Cobb County. You can search by a variety of different options including, but not limited to: price range, area, foreclosures only, number of bedrooms, MLS#, school district, and neighborhood.

Recently, Cobb County has become one of our most popular requested areas by buyers due to the award winning schools and convenience to downtown Atlanta.

If you are interested in other Atlanta area homes, please visit our main page at www.tinafountain.com/

Five Areas To Enhance The Selling of Your Atlanta Home

When a seller decides to put their home on the market they always want to know what they can do to improve traffic in their home and get the highest offer in the shortest amount of time. There are five areas of the home that can not be ignored in order to speed up the process. These include: Flooring, walls, appliances, countertops, and outdoor living spaces.

• Flooring- Floors are in every room of a home which gives them an impact on the impression of your home. Carpeting should be professionally cleaned to perfection and if it still does not look perfect, try re-carpeting all together. Hardwood floors are easier to keep clean, however, can have scratches and show wear. If this sounds like your hardwood floors, have it refinished.


• Walls- Walls can make or break the buying of a home. You want to have neutral colors that can go with a variety of different furniture settings. Each buyer has a different style and if you have a versatile color, it will make it easier on them to picture their furniture in your home. Like everything else, make sure walls are clean. If there are holes, or marks cover them up with paint or putty.


• Appliances and Countertops- The kitchen is one of the main rooms considered when a buyer looks at a prospective future home. The kitchen is where the family eats, cooks, and spends time together. Outdated appliances will quickly detour buyers. Do not feel like you have to have commercial grade appliances if you are going to upgrade. A mid grade appliance will show the buyer that they are new, updated, and in great condition. Countertops are also a very important part of not only the kitchen, but also the house. Granite countertops are in high demand in the buyers market and some will not settle for anything less. If Granite countertops are out of your price range, consider a high quality laminate.


• Outdoor Living Spaces- The exterior area of the home is becoming almost as important as the interior. More and more families are finding ways to enjoy their backyards with "Staycations" to save money. Especially with the gorgeous weather lately, backyards are becoming an important part of the home. Make sure that your outdoor living space, is groomed, clean, and looks inviting. Buyers like to picture having a fun evening in the backyard. If you have overgrown bushes, unkempt decks/patios, and no landscaping, it makes the image difficult to enjoy. Try power washing your deck/patio, pulling weeds, keeping the lawn mowed, and even planting flowers.

With these five areas touched up, you are sure to have buyers flocking to your house to see what you have to offer!

If you are interested in selling your Atlanta home with Tina Fountain Realtors or interested in Atlanta real estate, please visit our website at www.tinafountain.com/