WINNING IN THIS MARKET
There’s no denying that the current housing market conditions can cause frustrations for Buyers and Sellers alike. Buyers are worried about increased down payment requirements and higher mortgage payments. On the other hand, Sellers worry that higher interest rates may scare away potential buyers – AND – if they plan to buy after the sale of their current home, they will face the same challenges as Buyers.
Many people find real estate transactions stressful even in the most ideal conditions. Add the current challenges and it can be overwhelming. Don’t lose hope! There are ways to navigate the current challenges. The qualified realtors at Butch Whitfield Group are here to help you navigate even the most difficult obstacles.
What are the current challenges?
- Higher Interest Rates
- Low Home Inventory
Once you break a problem down into the bare basics, it somehow seems less daunting. The next step is to find the tools you need to advance toward your goals.
The Right Tools
1. Quiet Listings
What are Quiet Listings? It’s the Secret Scoop you need! Quiet Listings are home that haven’t been listed yet. We always have our ear to the ground for upcoming listings for our Buyers. Our current list includes homes in several amazing neighborhoods. Call Butch or Jon for more information about any of these homes or to schedule a tour. If you would like to receive notifications of new Quiet Listings as they become available, email Butch Whitfield and ask to be put on the Quiet Listings list. You can opt out at any time.
Virginia Highland
- 4 bedroom | 3 bath Craftsman. Renovated to the studs in 1999. Springdale Park Elementary district. Lot is 1/5 acre. $1.2M
Morningside/Lenox Park
- 4 bedroom | 4 bath. Price TBD
- 5 bedroom | 5 bath. With Carriage House. Price TBD
Garden Hills
- 3 bedroom | 2.5 bath. 3800 sq. ft. $1.25M
Peachtree Heights
- 3 bedroom | 2 bath. Great back yard. $900K
Candler Park
- 3 bedroom | 3 bath. 2 story. $825K
- 2 bedroom | 1 bath. Needs full renovation. $575K
Poncey Highland
- Lot which can support a new build of up to 2600 sq. ft. Perfect for a 3 story modern home. $325K
Ashford Park
- 5 bedroom | 4.5 bath. Built 2005. Garage. 4000+ sq.ft. $1.4M
Decatur/Oakhurst
- 3 bedroom | 2 bath. 1930’s Cottage. Adjacent to green space.Price TBD
2. Lender Programs
Lending institutions offer a variety of programs to suit various market conditions, including rising interest rates. One of our most trusted lending partners, Carolyn Cushing, Mortgage Consultant at Prosperity Home Mortgage, shared two programs The Asset QualifierLoan Program and The Temporary Buydown Program offered by Prosperity which may help you get into your dream home now. See below for details. For more information about these or other programs offered by Prosperity, reach out to Carolyn by phone: 404-966-9805 or email.
3. A Qualified Realtor®
This may be the most important tool of the three. What does a qualified Realtor® bring to the table?
- Validity. If you’re represented by a Reatlor®, Buyers and Sellers alike will take you more seriously. In this age of identity theft and other scams, people are alert to possible threat from unverified information. Homes listed by a qualified Realtor® are accepted as valid. Realtor® represented Buyers have been vetted – their identities and finances have already been verified.
- Knowledge. In-depth knowledge of current Market conditions as well as an understanding of the trends affecting the Market in the coming months.
- Winning Offers. Realtors® know that it all starts with a winning offer. They know how to craft an offer that will be attractive to Sellers and they know how to sift through offers from Buyers to find the ones that will best serve their Seller clients needs.
- Negotiation Skills. While getting the best price is usually top of mind for most clients, price is only one of the points of negotiation. Negotiations may cover potential repairs, timing of contingencies, closing costs, closing date, easements and more. Many negotiations take place well after the offer has been accepted, usually after the home inspection or appraisal.
- Access. Realtors® have instant access to all publicly listed homes in their region. More importantly, through their network of builders and agents, they have access to information about properties which will be listed in the future.
- Relationships. As mentioned above, Realtors® generally have robust relationships with Builders, Agents, Lenders, Inspectors, Planning and Zoning Departments, Home Repair Vendors, Interior Designers, Architects, Landscaping Companies, Moving Companies, and more.
