Spruce Up the Kitchen for the Holidays

Most of us spend a great deal of time in the kitchen—and not just while cooking. The kitchen is the traditional heart of the home. And with the holidays coming up, you may be looking for fast and easy ways to make your home more welcoming to guests.

Whether yours is a huge kitchen with a family room attached or a cozy convenience kitchen, several quick and inexpensive tricks let you spruce up your kitchen without undertaking a complete overhaul:

Nothing changes a room faster than a fresh coat of paint. It immediately brightens the walls and ceilings.

If your cabinets have seen better days, consider painting them—even if they are natural wood.

Express your style and liven up your cabinets with unique knobs, handles and hinges. Kitchen cabinets are a popular do-it-yourself project and can enhance the beauty of your home.

New linoleum is fairly inexpensive and provides a clean, fresh look.

Get rid of the refrigerator magnets—unless of course, they hold your family’s art gallery.

Select a brightly colored rug and dish towels to provide accent color.

Hang a window valence to tie it all together.

Line the windowsill with pots of herbs grown from seed.

Redecorating your kitchen is an easy way to change the whole look and feel of your home. And here’s something to remember when you decide to sell: the kitchen is considered by many to be the most important room in the house.

These tips can also be used to help stage your home to sell for the best possible price. If you’d like more ideas for getting your home ready to sell, feel free to email or call any time.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Please feel free to e-mail or call any time at 770-399-8108 or sara.hibbard@metrobrokers.com. Sara Hibbard wishes you and your family a very cozy, fun-filled and Happy Thanksgiving and holiday season.

Veterans Day

If it isn't flying already, get your flag out and fly it proudly!

Veterans Day gives Americans the opportunity to celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of all U.S. veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that many American's confuse this holiday with Memorial Day. They also report that some Americans don't know why we commemorate our Veterans on November 11th.

Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War 1, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislation that was passed in 1938, November 11 was dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." As such, this new legal holiday honored World War 1 veterans.

In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress -- at the urging of the veterans service organizations -- amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

To our veterans (and their families) of all wars, thank you for your service and sacrifice to keep the United States and its people safe and free from harm. Thank you for all you do! Happy Veterans Day.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia working in the Atlanta metro area. Please feel free to contact Sara with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process. Sara is easily reached at 770-399-8108 and is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

If Its Wednesday, It Must Be Market Conditions Wednesday!

Wow! Another week and its time to focus on another Georgia city. This year I have been focusing on the current market conditions of specific Atlanta metro area cities on Wednesday's. Each week we put the spotlight on a particular suburb of the Atlanta metro area. So far we have reviewed cities and towns such as Acworth, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Austell, Ball Ground, Canton, Cartersville, Conyers, Covington, Cumming, Dallas, Dunwoody, Holly Springs and Hoschton.

Today the focus is on the city of KENNESAW.

One of Family Circle magazine's "Ten Best Towns for Families," Kennesaw takes pride in it's small town atmosphere and boasts abundant parks and green space, exceptional recreational programs and top-notch schools, including Kennesaw State University. Kennesaw's historic downtown features shopping, dining and attractions such as the Smithsonian-affiliated Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, the Smith Gilbert Arboretum and nearby Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Family Circle's award was aimed at identifying the best communities nationally that combine big-city opportunities with suburban charm, a blend of affordable housing, good jobs, top-rated public schools, wide open spaces and less stress.

To give you a frame of reference, it might interest you to know that as I write this there is currently 66,233 homes on the market and actively listed in the entire Atlanta metro area. Likewise, according to the FMLS, there is a total of 631 single family homes actively listed and on the market in KENNESAW. There are also 127 condo / town homes on the market and actively listed in KENNESAW today.

Actively Listed Single Family Homes
This week, actively listed single family homes in Kennesaw range in price from $39,900 for a 1957 ranch style "fixer-upper" property with 2 bedrooms / 1 full and 1 half bathroom home. This home is within walking distance to downtown shops and restaurants. The highest priced actively listed property in Kennesaw is currently listed at $3.1 million and offers 6 bedrooms/5 full and 2 half bathrooms. This home is a country French European Estate home located on more than 20 acres of property. This is a beautiful home featuring a salt water swimming pool, impressive walnut hand-crafted staircase, marble floors, granite counter-tops and amenities too numerous to mention.

Actively Listed Town Home / Condos
The 127 town home / condos that are actively listed in Kennesaw range in price from $34,900 for a bank-owned "fixer-upper" property with 2 bedrooms/2.5 bathrooms in the Kennesaw Station complex to $425,000 for a 3 bedroom/2 full and 2 half bathroom unit with a 2 car garage at Overlook. This is a builder closeout end unit property that is move-in ready. All hardwoods on the main floor, Italian cabinetry kit.,Bosch appliances. Perhaps best of all, this home is maintenance free!

PENDING SALE
Currently there are 110 single family homes and 25 condo/town homes pending sale in Kennesaw.

SOLD Properties
Since January 1, 2010, there have been 652 single family homes SOLD in Kennesaw. Of the total 652 homes SOLD, Seventy Nine homes sold were under $100,000. The price range of sold homes starts at $26,250 for a 3 bedroom ranch style fixer upper to $1.025 million for an estate home with 6 bedrooms/5 full and 2 half bathrooms in the Enclave at Hadaway. Likewise, 148 town home/condo properties have been sold in Kennesaw since January 1st. These properties ranged in price from $23,500 to $415,000.

As you can clearly see the activity in Kennesaw has been robust in spite of current market conditions. HOMES ARE SELLING IN KENNESAW!

Sara Hibbard is a licenced Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara is available anytime to discuss your needs and wants in a home or answer your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process. Sara is easily reached at 770-399-8108 or e-mail her at sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

Understanding Today's Home Buyers

Home buyers used to have it easy - all they had to consider when buying a home was price, condition and location. Getting loans was a snap, and reselling the home was never a worry.

But today’s recessionary market is throwing home buyers a curve. They’re not so certain home buying is a good investment, and neither are their bankers.

If you’re a home seller, you need to know what buyers are facing in today’s real estate market, so you can do the one thing that will help the right buyer buy your home.

Price it to sell.

1. Buyers begin their search for a home with prices. Buyers may search many neighborhoods or look at homes out of their price range to get an idea of the marketplace. But, when it comes to serious shopping, they know their price and use it to see which homes they can afford.

2. Buyers are prequalified by their lender. A serious buyer will not be satisfied with day dreaming for long. They’ll share their financial information, and get prequalified by a lender who will tell them exactly how much they can afford. Is your home in the right price range?

3. Buyers work with real estate professionals. Once they have a green light, buyers start shopping. They ask their real estate professionals to start gathering and presenting homes they might like. If your home is priced too high, your best, likeliest buyer will never see it. Is your home overpriced compared to the competition?

4. Buyers have incredible sources to compare homes. Videos, virtual tours, feature sheets and multiple photos are the eye candy. They quickly sort through what’s available to a short list of the most appealing homes in their price range. Did you de-clutter, clean, stage and update your home?

5. Buyers choose homes based on bang for the buck. As buyers walk through listings with their real estate agent, they’ll quickly make snap decisions based on size, condition, and location as compared to price. Does your home offer the most bang for the buck?

6. Buyers use the same comparables you do. Just as you and your real estate agent have examined the market, buyers and their agents do the same. They know which homes are overpriced, and they’ll assume that an overpriced home comes from either an unmotivated or unrealistic seller. They’ll make their offer to the seller whose home offers the most for the money and who appears most reasonable to an offer. Do you appear negotiable?

7. Buyers’ banks confirm prices with appraisals. Today’s appraisals are strict. New codes of conduct require banks to avoid pressuring appraisers to “hit the numbers.” Appraisers are required to go back as long as one year, to determine if your home is in a “declining market.” If so, the appraisal can come as much as 5% under your list price. If the appraisal is under the list price, the bank won’t lend. Are you prepared to lower your price to make the deal go through?

8. Buyers face unprecedented banking challenges. Banks no longer offer non-conforming loans with abandon. Many banks are balking at offering conforming loans, and those are government-guaranteed. They require stricter proof from buyers that they are able to repay their loans, often qualifying them at much lower levels. Are you willing to help your buyer by paying down points?

9. Buyers are scared. They have to have a good reason to buy a home, and news of declining prices hasn’t provided much incentive. Help them by showing them all the ways your home has rewarded your ownership. Show them how much you pay in property taxes, how much you get as a homestead exemption, how much you’re able to write off your income taxes as a homeowner. Are you willing to share what buyers need to know?


10. Buyers don’t have to buy. They want to buy. They want the joys of homeownership, and it’s your job as a homeowner to provide them with the tipping point they need – the best home at the best price. Is your home priced to sell?

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara is available for consultation anytime at 770-399-8108. Call Sara with your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the relocation / buying / selling process. Sara Hibbard looks forward to working with you to find your ideal home when the time is right for you.

How Atlanta Stackes Up

I have been asked several times recently by folks planning to relocate to the Atlanta area, how the city stacks up compared to other U.S. cities in terms of housing, utilities, health care, apartments, etc.

The truth is, when it comes to almost every expense navigated by your wallet, Atlanta is well below the national norm. Research shows that Atlanta is one of the most affordable cities in the U.S. You can literally cut costs on everything from movie tickets to a box of cereal with a move to Atlanta. This bustling metropolis offers world-class entertainment, shopping, sports and dining at a fraction of the cost of other U.S. cities. As your living expenses drop, you can relish in your new found access to the finer things-whether it be a Braves game or a Broadway play.

Consider the following expenses of a single family home, apartment rent, movies for 2, cup of coffee, cereal, dental visit, beauty salon trip and dry cleaning in the cities of Atlanta, NYC, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC and Chicago.

Cost of Single Family Home
According to Bankrate.com the average price of a single family home in the Atlanta metro area is $266,467. Compare that to $1,130,511 in NYC, $820,923 in San Francisco, $389,423 in Seattle, $653,020 in Washington DC and $360,000 in Chicago.

Cost of Apartment Rent
Bankrate.com compared apartment rents and found that the average monthly rental for a 1 to 2 bedroom apartment in Atlanta averaged $798.00/month. Compare that to $3,340/month in NYC, $2,229/month in San Francisco, $1,364/month in Seattle, $1,655 in Washington D.C. and $1,503/month in Chicago.

Movies For 2
Bankrate.com found that a trip to the movies for two people in Atlanta averaged $22.00. Compare that to $28.00 in NYC, $24.00 in San Francisco and Seattle, $25.00 in Washington, D.C. and $23.00 in Chicago.

Cup of Coffee
It's cheaper to drink coffee in Atlanta too. Bankrate.com reports that a cup of coffee in the Atlanta metro area averages about $3.53 per cup. Compare that to $5.99in NYC, $5.77 in San Francisco, $4.70 in Seattle, $3.59 in Washington, D.C and $4.85 in Chicago.

Cereal
Bankrate.com compared the price of cereal in these cities too. According to Bankrate.com, a box of cereal in Atlanta averages $3.71 compared to $5.59 in NYC, $4.19 in San Francisco, $4.04 in Seattle, $3.88 in Washington, D.C. and $4.39 in Chicago.

Dental Visit
You'll be glad to know that it is also cheaper to visit your dentist in the Atlanta metro area. Bankrate.com found that it is easier to keep your "pearly whites" -- well...Pearly in Atlanta. The average dental visit runs about $70.80 in Atlanta. Compare that to $194.25 in NYC, $129.56 in San Francisco, $95.52 in Seattle, $104.11 in Washington, D.C. and $87.50 in Chicago.

Are you smiling yet?

Trip to Beauty Salon
A trip to the beauty salon or a trim will cost you about $46.88 in Atlanta. Compare that to $47.00 in NYC, $60.00 in San Francisco, $39.80 in Seattle, $48.40 in Washington, D.C. and $37.43 in Chicago.

Dry Cleaning
Bankrate.com reports that an average trip to the dry cleaners in the Atlanta metro area will cost you $7.60 compared to $14.60 in NYC, $12.75 in San Francisco, $13.58 in Seattle, $8.90 in Washington, D.C. and $8.71 in Chicago.

Salary
A $50,000 salary in Atlanta is comparable to
$113,305 in NYC
$84,251 in San Francisco
$71,673 in Washington, D.C.
$64,085 in Seattle
$61,486 in Chicago

Even in the current economic climate, Atlanta's population is growing. Scenic landscapes, a bustling city center, cultural haunts, recreation hot spots and good ole fashioned Southern hospitality are just part of the story when it comes to Atlanta's success as a relocation destination. Couple that with affordable housing and a low cost of living and you will find too that ATLANTA Is A Great Place to Live, Work and Play.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Contact Sara with all your real estate questions and concerns regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the relocation / buying / selling process. Sara is easily reached at 770-399-8108. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

Atanta: Where Business is BIG!

Atlanta: Where Business is Big
12 Fortune 500 Companies Call Atlanta Home

What’s so great about Atlanta? Well, in addition to our excellent moderate year round climate, Atlanta is truly a business friendly city and is home to 12 Fortune 500 Companies.

Atlanta’s reputation as one of the nation’s most business-friendly cities keeps the metro area on the short list for start-ups and Fortune 500 companies. From it’s early beginnings as a railroad terminus in 1837, Atlanta quickly expanded. Just two decades later it became the hub of four railroads as well as a major manufacturing center.

Today, the state’s capital city is home to 12 Fortune 500 and 15 Fortune 1,000 companies. Topping the list of Atlanta’s homegrown Fortune 500 firms are The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement specialty store and UPS, a global company and a world leader in specialized transportation logistics and package delivery. The Coca-Cola Company, the world’s best known soft drink company, is also listed among the nation’s top 25 Fortune 500 companies.

Atlanta continues to draw such top business names as Genuine Parts, NCR, ING Americas, Holiday Inn and Porsche Cars North America, all of which have established headquarters in the metro Atlanta area.

Through various incentives, including the state’s low corporate tax structure, favorable employment climate and right-to-work status, the metro area is an enticing destination for businesses looking to expand or relocate.

ATLANTA FORTNE 500 COMPANIES
1. The Home Depot Rank 29
2. UPS Rank 43
3. The Coca Cola Company Rank 72
4. Delta Airlines Rank 84
5. Coca Cola Enterprises Rank 113
6. Southern Companies Rank 145
7. SunTrust Banks Rank 224
8. Genuine Parts Rank 236
9. First Data Rank 250
10. AGCO Rank 337
11. Newell Rubbermaid Rank 373
12. NCR Rank 451

GEORGIA FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES
1. AFLAC Rank 152
2. Mohawk Industries Rank 392

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia and concentrates much of her time in the north Atlanta metro area including Cherokee, Cobb and North Fulton counties. Please feel free to contact Sara Hibbard with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the relocation / buying / selling process. Sara is easily reached at 770-399-8108 or e-mail Sara at sara.hibbard@metrobrokers.com or sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

Atlanta Offers The Worlds Busiest & Most Efficient Airport

Since I work with a lot of folks who are relocating to the Atlanta metro area from out of state and out of country too, I am often asked about the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. Access to the airport is important to these people and most people have the mistaken impression that Chicago or JFK in New York or even LAX in Los Angeles are the worlds busiest airports. That simply isn't true. The fact is Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has held the #1 spot for about 10 years.

It might interest some to know, that the Atlanta metro area is also home to several small, regional and commuter airports. Just to mention a few, Cobb County Airport known as McCollum Field is located in Kennesaw. Dekalb-Peachtree Airport we affectionally call PDK and Fulton County Airport we call Charlie Brown Field. Lawrenceville offers Gwinnett County Airport or Briscoe Field and there are many others.

Today's focus is on Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

According to the Fall 2010 issue of KNOWATLANTA Magazine, every day nearly 250,000 passengers travel through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport -- a distinction it has held for more than 10 years. Last year, 980,000 flights carrying more than 89 million passengers passed through the airport, including flights from some 80 international destinations. In addition to being among the world's busiest airports, Hartsfield Jackson earned another impressive honor for being the most efficient airport in North America.

From an economic standpoint, the airport is a driving force for Georgia generating $23.5 billion in revenue. In addition, it provides employment for 56,000 people whose jobs are directly related to the airport as well as an additional 18,000 jobs supported by airport-related businesses.

With its six concourses, Atlanta has one of the largest airport terminal complexes in the world. The airport has five runways. 151 domestic and 28 international gates and the tallest air traffic control tower in North America. At 398 feet, its the third tallest air traffic control tower in the world.

Coupled with Metro Atlanta's population growth and its ever-increasing international influence, the airport continues to expand. In 2006, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport responded by opening a 5th runway, and in the spring of 2007, an end-around taxiway designed to improve arrival and departure times, was completed.

The $417-million end-around taxiway, called Taxiway Victor, has improved capacity, reduced delays by 40 percent and increased departure capacity by 21 percent. It is the first of its kind in the U.S., and only the second in existence.

The upcoming Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr., International Terminal (MHJIT) is a 12-gate terminal that will provide international gates, plus additional domestic gates that are in high demand. The MHJIT will feature enhanced international passenger customer service, an additional Bureau of Customs and Border Protection facility, an in-line baggage screening system and a connection to the existing 28-gate international concourse, bringing the total to 38 international gates. The terminal is slated to open in 2012.

These new additions are part of a $6.2 billion capital improvement plan. Other expansion plans include a new energy-efficient car rental facility and improvements to the existing concourse and parking.

For those relocating to the Atlanta metro area, you can be assured that the airport is very capable of assisting you efficiently and effectively with your domestic and international travel needs.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia working in Cobb, Cherokee, North Fulton Counties and the north Atlanta metro area. Call Sara with your questions and concerns regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the relocation / buying / selling process. Sara can be easily reached at 770-399-8108 or e-mail Sara at sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!

If Its Wednesday, It Must Be Market Conditions Wednesday!

During 2010, I have devoted Wednesday's as the day of the week to report on market conditions in various Atlanta metro cities and towns. Each week we put the spotlight on a particular city and during the year we have reviewed the market conditions in cities such as Acworth, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Austell, Ball Ground, Canton, Cartersville, Conyers, Covington, Cumming, Dallas, Dunwoody and Holly Springs.

Today the focus is on the city of HOSCHTON.

Welcome to Hoschton!

The city of Hoschton is a small community and a wonderful place to call home. It is located just off interstate 85 and straddles Jackson, Hall, Barrow, Gwinnett Counties in north Georgia, about 35 miles northeast of the Atlanta perimeter area. Jackson County is included in the 10 fastest growing counties in the country yet offers an abundance of open spaces and unspoiled views of the states Piedmont Region - just south of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city mixes the advantage of small town living and the convenience of being less than 45 minutes from urban areas such as Athens, Gainesville and metro Atlanta for shopping, dining and entertainment.

According to today's FMLS data and as I write this, there is a total of 65,857 homes Actively listed and on the market in the entire Atlanta metro area today. Likewise, as I write this, there is a total of 194 single family homes on the market in Hoschton. There are only 4 condo / town homes available in Hoschton today.

Actively Listed Single Family Homes
This week, actively listed single family homes in Hoschton range in price from $24,900 for a 1970 vintage 2 bedroom/1 bathroom "fixer-upper" property located at 29 Oak Street to $1,219,000 for a 3 bedroom home on 11.5 wooded acres combined with assemblege to total 31+ acres. The home has a swimming pool and needs some work. There is also a beautiful river front property off of Highway 60. This brick ranch style home with 4 bedrooms/3.5 bathrooms also has a swimming pool and 20 acres for $1,099,000. Those are the extremes. There are plenty of homes available in more affordable price ranges.

Actively Listed Condo / Town Homes Properties
This week, Hoschton offers 4 condo / town home properties that are current active listings. These properties range in price from $193,000 for a 2 bedroom/2.5 bathroom home in Reunion Country Club with beautiful upgrades appointments such as a large kitchen with cook surface island, pendant lighting and granite counter tops. This beautiful front entry home faces the golf course with sweeping views of the 18th hole. This home also offers built-ins and a drive-under garage. The other 3 homes are located in the Village at Deaton Creek and are priced at $219,000, $211,115and $205,000. These are Villa / patio style homes on one level with no stairs and low maintenance living.

Pending Sale
Currently there are 38 single family homes pending sale in Hoschton and 3 condo / town homes pending sale in Hoschton.

SOLD Properties
During the year, 201 single family homes have sold in Hoschton since January 1st. They ranged in price from $40,900 for a 1995 vintage ranch style home located in a cul-de-sac with 3 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms which closed on 10/18/2010 after 137 days on the market to $447,000 for a brand new home under construction with 5 bedrooms/5 full and 2 half bathrooms and a full finished basement in Coles Pond. This home closed on 5/4/2010 after 9 days on the market.

Likewise, 11 condo/town homes have sold in Hoschton during the year. Ten properties were located in Village at Deaton Creek and one was located in Reunion Country Club. Prices ranged from $162,500 to $250,000. All homes were 2 bedrooms with the exception of the property in Reunion Country Club with 4 bedrooms/3.5 bathrooms which sold for $250,000.

Yes! It is true! Homes of all descriptions, sizes and price ranges are selling in Hoschton. Please call me if you would like to visit Hoschton or any other area in the Atlanta metro area to determine where you will be most at home.

Sara Hibbard is a licenced Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara is available anytime to discuss your needs and wants in a home or answer your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process. Sara is easily reached at 770-399-8108 or e-mail her at sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!

10 Market Facts For Uncertain Times

WOW! Finally an end to negative advertising as Voters went to the polls today in record numbers. It hardly seems possible that Halloween 2010 is a mere memory, cooler whether is here to stay and folks across the country will soon be celebrating Thanksgiving. In spite of difficult-times, we do truly have a lot to be thankful for this time of year!

As voters went to the polls today, news emerged that homeownership is at its lowest level in more than a decade, hampered by a rise in foreclosures and weak demand for housing. The percentage of households that owned their homes was unchanged at 66.9 percent in the July-September quarter, the Census Bureau said today. That's the same as the April-June quarter. The last time the rate was lower was in 1999, when the rate was 66.7 percent.

The homeownership rate was around 64 percent from 1985 through 1995. It then rose dramatically during the Clinton and Bush administrations, hitting a peak of more than 69 percent in 2004 at the height of the housing boom.

After the housing bubble burst, the rate has been declining gradually.

Although the economy is soft and consumer confidence remains low, new data from the National Association of Realtors shows positive signs for the future. To help homeowners and home buyers interpret current economic statistics, here are 10 key facts to understand about today's market.

1. The economy is growing, though slowly.
2. The private sector is finally creating some jobs.
3. Consumer confidence remains low, though clearly off bottom.
4. The 30-year mortgage rate is at generational lows.
5. The national median-home price is stabilizing.
6. Other home-price measurements also are showing price stabilization.
7. Home price-to-income ratios have returned to fundamentally justifiable levels.
8. Economists expect price increases in upcoming years.
9. Delinquencies are high but recent loan origination's are performing well.
10. The long-term path to self reliance may be helped from long-term housing-wealth gains.

Source: National Association of Realtors.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara can be easily reached at 770-399-8108 to answer your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling process. Visit Sara's web sites and web pages located at www.SaraHibbard.com, www.SaraHibbardRealEstate.com, www.AtlantaMLSHomes.com, www.AtlantaMLSHomesBlog.com and www.ServingAcworthGARealEstate.com. Sara Hibbard looks forward to serving your real estate needs when the time is right for you.