The Van Thompson Team Blog

Foreclosure Market Tips

2009-06-17T15:33:00.002-04:00

Check out this video that gives you an insiders look at what is going on in the current foreclosure market in the in-town Atlanta area. Things are definitely heating up and the banks are changing how they price bank-owned property...check it out!

Melanie and Michelle's Take on Recent Great News

2009-06-04T10:01:00.001-04:00

Great news about the real estate market was just reported. Check out Michelle and Melanie's take on the great news.

THE MARKET IS HEATING UP!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-03T12:00:00.002-04:00

The National Association of Realtors just reported that the number of pending sales nationwide increased by 6.7%.

The number of homes Under Contract saw the biggest monthly gain in 7 1/2 years.

Those two indicators are obvious signs the recession is easing and the real estate market is HEATING UP!!! For those of you sitting on the side lines waiting for the market to hit bottom...its called basic economics...supply and demand. There were a lot of homes on the market and no one wanted to buy them, driving prices down. Well now that demand is on the rise, prices will be too!!

How Real Estate Deals Happen in Atlanta

2009-05-20T12:23:00.001-04:00

This video is a brief description on how real estate transactions work and who represents your interest in the deal.

Please let us know if you have questions or comments. Thanks for your attention!

Loft Building of the Week

2009-05-15T11:24:00.003-04:00

Tribute Lofts overlooking the skyline of Atlanta is the Loft pick of the week. The building sits on a prime spot with amazing views of Atlanta. The building offers well designed lofts with polished concrete floors, high exposed ceilings, sleek Italian cabinets, stainless appliances and large spa like bathrooms.

The amenities in the building include a skylounge with salt water pool, fire pit and a great gym with fanatastic views to take your mind off your workout.

If you are looking for a great price on a very hot loft look no further.

Down Payment Assistance Via $8000 Tax Credit

2009-05-13T10:01:00.002-04:00

More good news coming out of D.C. regarding putting a fire under the real estate market. The latest news is just what the doctor ordered for first time home buyers who are sitting on the sidelines because they don't have money available for the 3.5% down payment on an FHA loan.

The HUD secretary announced yesterday that first-time home buyers would have access to the tax credit funds when they close on their home so that the cash can be used as a down payment. This is possible by governmental agencies providing a short term bridge loan that would replace the tax credit, until the buyer receives their tax refunds.

This program was approved by the Legislature last month, but is temporarily delayed while they are working out an IRS rule issue.

All you folks who've been watching from the sidelines...now is the time to jump into the game (using Uncle Sam's money)!

Short Sale Reality

2009-05-12T12:29:00.001-04:00

Please take a listen to the explanation of what a short sale actually is, how they play out in the market place and what our experience has been. Any feedback or questions are welcome!

Zip Lining From The Tree Tops

2009-05-06T10:53:00.006-04:00

Who knew there was killer zip lining less that an hour from Atlanta? I didn't until about a week ago when I was checking out friend's Facebook posts and saw something about a zip line tour. When I googled zip lines + Georgia...Bannings Mill in Whitesberg Georgia. Less than 10 minutes later I was booked for the Flight Pattern Plus zip line tour for this past Saturday.

When we arrived, we met up with a cool group of folks we were going to be touring the treetops with. First thing, we climbed up about 4 stories to this platform where the guides instruct you on how not to fall to your death!!! I was the first to go in my group so I stepped onto this little plank where and I hurled yourself into the air. You actually get up to about 50 mph, soaring over trees, a river and other cool scenery. To get to the next zip line you have to climb/cross these tricky wire bridges that take you higher and deeper into the woods. Basically, your climbing through the forest like a monkey! The entire tour took about 2.5 hours and it was a ton of fun!!

Check out the website at http://www.historicbanningmills.com/canopy.html and call to make a reservation. The guide said during the week is the best time and hurry before school lets out.

Hot Atlanta Loft on Peachtree

2009-05-01T09:14:00.002-04:00

We showed a really cool loft that is located in a building in the heart of Midtown. The loft had high gloss white floors with exposed brick and large window that overlooks downtown. You could walk to some great restaurants and shops.

Great Loft with Amazing Views

2009-04-30T14:26:00.003-04:00

We just listed a fabulous loft with the most amazing skyline view of Atlanta. The loft building sits where all the photographers come to take photos of the city because it is on a great hill overlooking Atlanta.

The loft is very sleek with imported Italian cabinets, polished concrete floors, high ceilings, wall of glass and a very spacious spa-like bath.

Check it out on our website. You will not be disappointed.

Great Decatur Hang Out

2009-04-26T09:02:00.004-04:00

I just visited a great new restaurant in Decatur, Leon's Full Service. It is in an old gas station but has been transformed into a great looking space. There is a nice patio area but the inside has large windows so you feel like your outside. The menu is fun upscale bar food. Not sure I should really call it bar food because I have never gotten a shrimp gyro with field greens and homemade dressing in a bar.

Everything we ordered was tasty and the wine and beer list was great. I will definitely be returning to this great spot. It is an easy bike ride from neighboring Winnona Park and Oakhurst neighborhoods.

Come on, get yappy

2009-04-20T09:41:00.003-04:00

Terrific news for pet owners in Atlanta. Glamour Paws, a new boutique and grooming lounge for dogs and cats is opening in Virgina Highland. Owners and their best friends can expect fun snacks (like chicken-wrapped fruit and local Big Daddy Biscuits), motorized mice for Whiskers, mailable rawhide greeting cards, cute pet clothes, and, of course, a fun salon where Peaches can get squeaky clean. The shop even boasts its own ambassador, Princess, an upbeat shih tzu. Don’t miss Yappy Hour Fridays (wine for peeps, treats for pups) and self-service Sundays, when DIY baths are priced low. Grand opening party is Saturday, May 2, 7 p.m.

Glamour Paws is located at 776 North Highland Avenue, Virginia Highland. For more information, call 404-885-9285 or visit glamourpaws.net.

Hop to it

2009-04-15T09:00:00.002-04:00

West Midtown continues to see great growth in Atlanta. Hop City Craft Beer & Wine, which opened in April, carries 1,000 unique beer brands, including hard-to-find craft beer, and more than 600 varieties of wine. The store also offers home-brewing books, ingredients and equipment, as well as some pretty cool gifts for the beer and wine aficionados in your life. Hop City Craft Beer & Wine is located at 1000 Marietta St.

Experience Serpas at Studioplex

2009-03-24T11:05:00.003-04:00

This past weekend I had the pleasure of checking out the newest restaurant addition in the Inman park/Krog St area...Serpas at Studioplex ( http://www.serpasrestaurant.com/ ). It was a nice change from the typical Friday night dining in Atlanta experience for a couples of reasons. First, we'd made a reservation for 7:30 and guess what...we were actually seated at 7:30!!! And second, the restaurant wasn't crazy crowded and the food came in just the right time.

The food...I thought the food was very good and not "break the bank" expensive. We had Tuna Tar-Tar as an appetizer, which was the best I've had in the city! (I consider myself an expert on tuna tar tar as I've had the dish at dozens of restaurants.) Next we had the Sea Scallops and the Pork Chop. Both dishes were "lick the plate clean" good.

What makes Serpas even more appealing...to us at least...is its just steps from The Van Thompson office. I have a feeling that Melanie and I will be familiar faces to the Serpas staff.

How Does Google Have A Picture of Your Home??

2009-03-16T11:10:00.014-04:00

Have you seen the Google mapping technology that actually provides the streetscape of where your home is located? Here's a look at the image of Melanie's house (hope the yard looks okay!!), as well as the capability to view the rest of the street:

View Larger Map

Here's how those images are produced:

In the Atlanta area, Google is using the Chevy Cobalt with black wheels to drive around the city, taking photos of countless streetscapes. You'll notice that's not a roof rack on the car but a panoramic camera that takes that photos. The system is connected to a GPS system so that as the photos are taken, the information is labeled by it's location.

Wow!!! That's a huge undertaking by Google!! But I have to admit that it's so helpful for The Van Thompson Team and our clients to be able to preview not only the front of the house but how the street looks overall. Google...thanks for making our life easier!

Great Date Night Restaurant

2009-03-09T11:47:00.004-04:00

If you are looking for a great place to take a date or a business dinner I would highly recommend checking out 4th & Swift. The restaurant is located in the old Southern Dairies building. It has exposed brick, high ceilings and great woodwork. Very eye pleasing and sexy. The food is amazing.The service is outstanding. The restaurants runs seasonal specials with organic locally grown produce. Great wine list. Check out the menu at http://www.4thandswift.com. You will not be disappointed.

Interesting Info on the Areas With Highest Foreclosure Rates

2009-03-06T10:58:00.005-05:00

In todays USA TODAY there is an article that states "half of the foreclosures in 2008 took place in only 35 counties". Wow...that kind of put things in perspective. The article goes on to say "the 35 counties are located in just 12 states" and that these counties were the epi-center of the banking/mortgage crisis. Even more fascinating is that 25% of all foreclosures occurred in only eight counties in Arizona, California, Florida and Nevada.

What was the most important piece of information in the article: " In more than 650 other counties-about a fifth of the nation-the number of foreclosure actions actually dropped since 2006".

If you look at the map, you'll see that Fulton County was one of the counties with the highest number of foreclosures. This resulted from another problem...the fact that South Fulton County, and more specifically Southwest Atlanta, was the mortgage fraud CAPITAL of the country. Obviously, the tidal wave of mortgage fraud resulted in a surge of foreclosures, giving Fulton County that dubious distinction.

All in all, the USA Today article is a glimpse at where the real problem areas are and what was the source. As side from the mortgage fraud issue, Atlanta has been plugging along and is a great investment that will reap huge benefits in the future.

SOURCE OF INFO and MAP: USA TODAY 3/6/09

Another Pending Sale !!!

2009-03-04T14:00:00.002-05:00

The news would have us all believe that the real estate market is dead. Well Michelle and I can tell you that there is activity going on. If the home/condo is in good condition and priced right it WILL SELL.

Buyers are out looking and are still getting financing( the news would tell you otherwise).

This buyer went under contract after we lost out to multiple offers on two different condos.

A Lesson From Warren Buffet

2009-03-02T11:09:00.003-05:00

Last night I just finished reading Warren Buffett's latest book, "The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life". It's basically a biography about his life (from birth to present) that includes many of his business philosophies as themes throughout the book.

One theme or motto that was reiterated time and again was this: Be greedy when everyone else is fearful and be fearful when everyone else is greedy. Okay...I know that the term greed definitely has a negative connotation. What Buffett was speaking to is this...when everyone else is fearful there are a multitude of opportunities that are available to those who will jump on them.

How does this relate to real estate? Simply, that now everyone is running scared from the real estate market. All the news is just perpetuating fear, fear, fear!!! But take a look around...there are a multitude of great options and deals, for those willing to capitalize on them, you can bet that when the market turns around (WHICH IT WILL!!!) those who jumped in when everyone else was fearful will reap the rewards!!!

A Real World Example of the $8000 Tax Credit

2009-02-27T15:06:00.004-05:00

This morning Melanie had I had a closing with a couple of terrific clients!!! What's pretty amazing is that they bought a $325,500 home, with $8200 as a downpayment. What's even more amazing is that they will get most of their downpayment back through the $8000 tax credit.

Think about it...they put $8200 down and will get an $8000 tax credit back. The math is easy...for a $200 investment our client's are getting a home they've always wanted. Now is the time to take advantage of great interests rates and free money! The tax credit ends December 1st, 2009

Check out The Van Thompson Group's Facebook Page

2009-02-26T10:47:00.003-05:00

Melanie & I have published our Facebook page so that all of our friends and clients can keep an eye on us and a finger on the pulse of the real estate market in Atlanta.

Check it out:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta-GA/Van-Thompson-Group/32122120403

There are SO MANY good reasons to buy real estate now...

1. An $8000 tax credit that is paid to you! Basically, you are getting back your down-payment money. And, this tax credit DOES NOT have to be repaid!!!

2. Atlanta currently has the lowest interest rates in the country.

3. There are countless motivated Sellers, which translates into countless opportunities for you to pick up a great deal.

4. The real estate market is/will recover and it's best to buy at the bottom. There is absolutely no way to time the market until it's too late.

5. Start building your wealth and stop making your landlord RICH!!!

The list could go on & on. Just take our word for it...you should definitely be buying real estate!!

How the Stimulus Package Affects You

2009-02-19T09:25:00.002-05:00

How the Economic Stimulus Package Affects Home Owners
Credit for first-time homebuyers: The bill increases the size of an existing temporary and refundable first-time home buyer credit to $8,000, up from $7,500. It also removes the requirement under current law that the credit be paid back if the buyer stays in the home for at least three years. And it would extend the credit's expiration date to Dec. 1, 2009, from July 1. Those eligible for this credit must have purchased a home after Jan. 1, 2009, and before Dec. 1, 2009. The full credit is available to those making $75,000 or less ($150,000 for joint filers).

Good News for '09!!!!

2009-02-18T12:04:00.000-05:00

Van Thompson is feeling completely optimistic about the real estate market in 2009. Forbes just published an article saying that Atlanta is one of 10 cities that will emerge from the house slump with growth, both in the resale market and new homes.

Now's the time to jump in...get historically low rates and an $8000 tax credit to boot!!

P.S. Atlanta currently has the lowest mortgage rates of whole THE COUNTRY!!!

Green Living in the Heart of East Lake

2009-02-17T11:58:00.003-05:00

Check out our new listing in East Lake Commons. This community is one of very few co-operative communities in the city. ELC boasts organic gardens, huge playground area, community center for weekly meals and entertainment. This is a secure, gated community with hiking trail, pond and recycling center.

Check it out...

Great New Eco-Friendly Townhome

2008-12-12T11:43:00.003-05:00

We just listed the coolest townhome in an amazing community. The community is called East Lake Commons. It is an award winning eco-friendly , co-housing community with 22 acres of grounds. The grounds include organic gardens, large playground,walking trails and a pond.

There is also a really cool community clubhouse. The community has 2 nights a week that they put together dinners in the restaurant size kitchen in the clubhouse. Many of the dishes served contain fresh ingredients pulled right from the garden that day. Great place to socialize with your neighbors and get a farm fresh meal.

You can get more information about this community by visiting www.eastlakecommons.org