HOW'S THE ATLANTA MARKET?
The good news is that qualified buyers are buying, showings have increased since the first of the year. Our most recent listing and closing reports for metro Atlanta are for May 2012. They showed a modest increase in number of closings and average sale price over May 2011. Inman News reported that Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta were in the Top 10 markets in the country in 2011 for first time home buyers obtaining FHA loans.
The average sale price of detached single family homes in metro Atlanta in May was about $191,000. As a comparison, in April 2007, it was about $269,000. We just need a steady upward trend in the number of closings AND the average sale price, and I'll keep you posted!
Areas which were thriving before the recession are still doing better than most. The highest average sale price for single family detached homes in May was reported in Area 61 (Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Berkeley Lakes), with Area 62 (Duluth, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Buford) right behind. It must be said that while schools influence demand, the amount of newer inventory can tilt the statistics for any area.
INSPIRATION FOR JULY: LOVE OF COUNTRY
May the sun in his course visit no land more free, more happy, more lovely, than this our own country! ~Daniel Webster
RECYCLING, REORGANIZING, AND STORING YOUR STUFF
I was talking to someone the other day, and joked that we all should pretend that we're moving once a year, just to clear out the clutter to create breathing space.
Ebay. Particularly, if you have an item of value which is easy to package and mail, you may want to consider selling on Ebay. I recommend taking the time to review similar items for sale, to get an idea of market value. Pay attention to what items and prices are getting bids.
Garage Sale. If you can predict your next good weather weekend, there's nothing quite as invigorating, and at the same time, exhausting, as a Garage Sale! I try to do this about every two years, and it takes a lot of planning, including what will happen if you have a rain day. Again, Craigslist offers a great free add with up to four photographs, and I've found it worthwhile to pay for an AJC ad. Warning: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ad must be placed well in advance of the sale!
Most Garage Sales are held on Friday and Saturday, but you may make your own signs for any weekend day(s).
For display I recommend several long tables with white plastic or cloth covers to make them more uniform. Usually, I create a theme for each table, with a centerpiece, and rearrange and put out "new" merchandise during slow times.
Craigslist. If
you are not ready to brave the heat to hold a garage sale, you can list
items for sale on Craigslist with plenty of space for description and up
to four photographs for FREE. Good quality clothing (especially kid's
clothes) may be ideal for a local consignment shop.
Storage. If you are looking for quick, cheap, hidden storage, try rolling under-bed storage bins (usually priced at under $20). They are perfect for kid's toys, out of season clothing, wrapping paper, and long term storage. For long term or moving storage, shredded paper makes great packing material!
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