Stephen & Judy Perras

Where to buy close to Decatur

Stephen & Judy Perras — Tue, 03 May 2011 13:16:00 GMT

Decatur is one of the most desired towns to live in because of all it has to offer. The small town feel, great schools wonderful people and a community feel. Unfortunately home prices in Decatur proper are out of reach for many first time home buyers and young families. The surrounding areas have become a popular way to be close to Decatur, enjoy the community, and still have affordable home prices. One of the lesser known areas with a strong sense of neighborhood and community is the Medlock Park/Clairmont Heights area. This area is close to everything including downtown Decatur, highways, shopping and more. The folks that live here enjoy a walking neighborhood with parks and trails and friendly involved neighbors.

The houses in this area are being renovated and more and more first time home buyers and young families are moving into the neighborhood. The Medlock Area Neighborhood Association http://www.medlockpark.org/ is a group of helpful and friendly folks that want to support our neighborhood, create social events and protect the communities interests.

We live and work in this neighborhood and the longer we are here, and get to know our neighbors the more we like it. Let us know if you would like any more information on this wonderful Decatur neighborhood.

The Holiday Season

Stephen & Judy Perras — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 11:21:00 GMT

Thanks to all our friends, family and clients we have had a great year helping people and being of service. So we would like to wish everyone a joyous holiday season, no matter how you choose to celebrate. One of the interesting things about being in Metro Atlanta and being in the Real Estate business is that we get to meet people from all over and from different cultures. The more I meet people from various places and backgrounds the more I see that we all have more in common then we have differences.

During the course of the year we have seen peple that are just moving here to start a new life, people that are starting families and want to the right place to live, folks getting married, and some folks who lost their jobs or had life changes and they needed to get out from under their house to get their life back. We have enjoyed working with them all and being able to be of service and help people accomplish what they are trying to do. After all Real Estate is not just about houses - It's about people.

So to you and yours, we wish you all a happy holiday season and a joyous and prosperous new year.

Is it still viable to do rehabs in the Edgewood/Reynoldstown area?

Stephen & Judy Perras — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 18:25:00 GMT

The short answer is YES. The reason I say this is that the intown neighborhoods are still in demand both for first time homebuyers and folks that want to live in town. Here is an example of what would work: http://www.postlets.com/res/4050841 This house has had all the structural work done by a professional builder. His situation has changed so he is now a motivated seller, which is one type of seller that investors are looking for. This home can be purchased, rehabbed and put back on the market and appeal to first time home buyers or buyers that are looking to move into town to be close to everything.

Please feel free to send any Real Estate questions you have to: Stephen@FindYourWayHomeGa.com

Decatur Oakhurst Short Sale Opportunities & How do short sales work

Stephen & Judy Perras — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 16:39:00 GMT

Q. Are there short sale opportunities in Decatur and Oakhurst?

A. There are short sale and buyer opportunities in Decatur, Oakhurst and most neighborhoods today. Not to many neighborhoods are unaffected my today's market. Even some of the nicer neighborhoods, like Oakhurst, have short sale deals for buyers. Here is an example: http://www.postlets.com/res/4673512

Q.How do short sales work?

A. Short Sales used to be only done by savvy investors that understood how the banks worked with pre-foreclosures. In today's market banks are willing to work with experienced agents in facilitating short sales. The process begins when a home owner contacts us as listing agents to help sell their home because they cannot afford the payments any more due to a financial hardship and they cannot sell their home because they owe more then it is worth. We will contact the bank and tell them we are listing the property as a short sale. We will then assist the seller is documenting their financial hardship to the lender, lose of job, cut in pay, divorce, etc.

We will advertise the property for sale and set up showings and accept offers on the property. We then send the offers to the bank for their consideration. The bank will do their own appraisal to determine their "Net to Seller" and either accept or counter the offer. Once everyone agrees on price and terms an approval letter and closing date will be set.

Q. How long does this process take?

A. It can take anywhere from 6 weeks to several months for a short sale to get processed and closed. The benefit for a buyer to purchase a property this way is that they can get a great deal on a property.

Atlanta,Decatur Real Estate Market Conditions

Stephen & Judy Perras — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 11:25:00 GMT

Wow what an interesting year it has been. We are once again so grateful to all of our amazing clients that we have been able to work with this year. As the seasons change, so does the real estate market. It continues to be the best time to be a buyer, with lots of inventory, motivated sellers and low interest rates, we continue to work with buyers that are taking advantage of this historic time to buy a home.

What I'm seeing in the marketplace is that prices are dropping, both in single family homes and condos, until they reach a point where the opportunity is just to good, then they are getting multiple offers and the prices are heading back up or at least stabilizing. I am very optimistic about the real restate market for both buyers and sellers. We continue to hold our real estate investments and help our clients find what works for them.

The latest investment strategy trend that I have seen, which makes sense in this market, is to buy single family homes, clean them up, rent them out for positive montly cash flow and hold them long term. This tried and true method of RE investing has always worked and is the best course of action in today's marketplace.

First time home buyers are also taking advantage of this market. Being able to find reasonably priced homes that fit their needs and they are able to get into them with a number of programs that are available. Helping first time home buyers through the process of searching, financing, negotiating, inspecting and closing on their new home is a very satisfying experience.

Let me know if we can help with any of your Real Estate needs or if you have any questions and would like free, no obligation answers from experienced and creative agents that understand and embrace today's market.

Stephen

Grant Park in the Spring

Stephen & Judy Perras — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 12:40:00 GMT

Grant park in the spring is one of the most wonderful places in the Atlanta area. The colors, the smells the events, the neighborhood. Find out more here: http://grantpark.org/

To see a full list of homes for sale in and around Grant Park just send me an email and request Grant Park homes for sale. Here is one example of a beatiful historic home that has been restored. http://www.postlets.com/res/3183956

Atlanta/Decatur homes for sale and thoughts on the marketplace

Stephen & Judy Perras — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:18:00 GMT

WOW!! I have not posted for a while since I have been so busy, which is a good thing. Now that the weather is warming and we are coming out of our winter slumber, it should only get to be more fun from here. The tax credit is due to expire and there is all types of opinions as to what will happen then. My two cents: I think buyers are understanding the value in the marketplace right now, and also realizing that interest rates won't stay this low forever. Only a small percentage of buyers are in action due to the tax credit and most of the buyers we are seeing understand that this is a historical time to buy real estate. Whether you are an investor, first time home buyer, or looking to move up, this is an amazing time to be a real estate buyer.

As always we are here to help. If you want to know more about market conditions or if you want to know what is available give me a call or click and I'll be happy to help.

Stephen

Enjoying the season

Stephen & Judy Perras — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 12:51:00 GMT

This is a wonderful time of year. Maybe not for business, but for re-connecting with friends and family. I love when people I meet are in a good mood because they are doing things they enjoy. I think it is because this is a season of giving and giving just feels good.

Real estate is a service oriented business and our business model is based on our clients wants and needs, so we get to give all year long. I have often wondered why we can't all have the holiday spirit all year long.

Let's make the holiday spirit our new business spirit and see what happens.

Don't be a Turkey

Stephen & Judy Perras — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:51:00 GMT

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving with friends and family.

In the Real Estate market today there is so much news and information available to consumers it may be hard for them to tell what applies to them. The Real Estate market is so local it can vary in a town from neighborhood to neighborhood. Having a professional working on your behalf to give you the right information at the right time is valueable today more than ever.

If you are thinking of buying or selling, give us a call and we can find out what your needs are and be sure you are getting the information and results you want and/or need.

Let us know how we can help.

Why we are here

Stephen & Judy Perras — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:08:00 GMT

As real estate professionals we are needed now more then ever. I know times are slow, but they will pick up. My concern is for all the homeowners, buyers and sellers that need professional guidance and knowledge in these times. The way deals are put together today, short sales, foreclosures, builder close outs etc our knowledge and experience is needed more than ever to help rebuild our economy. It is up to us to make a difference. One client at a time.

We have been helping some clients do shrt sales recently and it is hard to watch what some people are dealing with in these times. The joy for me is knowing that I can be a beckon of light, a source of hope. A guide. If we can get them out from under a house that they cannot afford then they can start putting the other pieces of their lives back also. I have had clients tell me that because I was able to list and sell their house, that they had been fighting about, that I probably saved their marriage. That's a nice compensation for being in the business. I guess I'll be here for a a while

Let me know how we can help.

What is up with Real Estate?

Stephen & Judy Perras — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:38:00 GMT

Good Morning

Working with real estate buyers lately, it is amazing to see some of the deals out there. Builder close outs, foreclosures,short sales, even retail homes are affordable because of the inventory. Sometimes the hard part is sorting through it all to find the home you desire. That is where having an agent workking on your behalf can help.

Remember buying a home is a process not an event

From searching and viewing homes, to writing contracts that protect you, presenting offers, negotiating, overseeing financing, scheduleing repairs etc. When you work with an agent you have someone that is looking out for your interest and understands and is in control of the process. We help you with a process that could be over whelming and make it understandable, if not enjoyable.

Let us know how we can help.

What a great birthday present

Stephen & Judy Perras — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:22:00 GMT

Yesterday, Nov. 6th. the tax credit got signed and extended:

Key Details

In many ways, the new version of the HTC is superior to the expiring credit.

It extends the HTC until April 30, 2010.
Perhaps even more important, the HTC is now expanded to provide a $ $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 6, 2009 (the date the new HTC takes effect) and April 30, 2010, provided that the current homeowners have used their existing home as their principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight years.
HTC may be used to purchase many types of homes as long as they are used as primary residences. Purchases of single-family detached homes, townhouses, condominiums and cooperatives qualify for the favorable tax treatment.
First-time homebuyers qualify for a slightly higher tax credit. HTC allows homebuyers who have not owned a home for the three previous years to qualify as first-time homebuyers.

Key Limitations

The credit may be used on home purchases valued at no more than $800,000.
The income limits have been expanded by the new HTC. Under the new HTC, individuals with incomes not to exceed $125,000 and married couples with incomes up not to exceed $225,000 are eligible for the full tax credit. The credit phases out for incomes up to $145,000 and $245,000 respectively.

Good morning Atlanta

Stephen & Judy Perras — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:58:00 GMT

What is going on?

I read an interesting article last week that said how all the economic forcasters over the years have done no better than random guesses at predicting the future of our economy. I have also heard that our economy does what we believe it is going to do. SOOO.....

How are you doing, because that is what matters. Individuals make a difference. If each of us makes this best desicions we can and take responsibility for our own lives and actions it will show up in our communities and culture that way. It is up to us. We are empowered in our own lives to choose how we show up in life. Of course many things are out of our control, but we can make a difference in how we view them and how we react to them, that is in our control.

We have been helping our clients sell their homes in any number of ways that solve the problem for them. They can get out from under a crippling mortgage and start getting their life back. We can help deal with the banks and lenders and find a solution for them. If you are upside down in your home give us a call and we can see if we can help.

Alternate viewpoints of the same situation

Stephen & Judy Perras — Wed, 27 May 2009 10:23:00 GMT

It's amazing how many houses I am seeing that are getting multiple offers on them. Of course they need to be priced right, but the buyers are out there and looking for deals.

I know this isn't happening for everyone, but I saw the news the other night and they made it sound like we are doomed. Nothing could be further from the truth in my opinion.

The opportunities out there right now are unheard of. The people who are taking advantage of this market are going to be wealthy in a few years.

Single Story For Sale in Forrest Hills

Stephen & Judy Perras — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:49:00 GMT

• 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story - $229,000 - Possible Lease/Purchase

Forrest Hills, Decatur

Property information