Randy Ballard

Alan,

I am a Realtor, and I will be the 1st to tell you that there is much uncertainty in the market right now.
However , I believe, Alpharetta is one of the best communites to purchase in the nation.

Fact is that mortgage interest rates are still at historical lows. As to home prices, it is impossible to say if they will go up or down. For Alpharetta, I believe, some neighborhoods will increase and some will decrease. Too many factors, and Alpharetta is too large an area, to make a blanket statement.

Also everyone's situation is different, and must be considered individually. I had a client recently that purchased in John's Creek. Originally they were looking in the $350,000 price range. They were planning to pay cash. Their situation changed quickly with their financial investments, so we changed their criteria. The home they purchased (bank owned) was for $192,000 cash. They are very happy, since they got a lovely home, and walked in the door with equity of about $25,000.

In fact I have found rentals for a few of my clients recently. This is because, in my opinion, they were not prepared to buy a home at this time. Perhaps I could have convinced them to purchase, but how could I sleep at night. When I accept a client, then I look out for their best interests.

My previous, tounge in cheek, post: "My Crystal Ball says that thing will be changing after the Presidential Election. It says definitely that the economy will be improving or getting worse." - Sat Jul 12 2008, 18:01

My Crystal Ball says that thing will be changing after the Presidential Election. It says definitely that the economy will be improving or getting worse. - Tue Jul 1 2008, 21:16

Elevation is key. But trees help too. I live in Martins Landing in Roswell. We have many mature trees. I can feel the temperature lower just driving into the neighborhood. - Wed Jul 9 2008, 06:03

You can research schools online with the AJC School Guide:
http://schools.ajchomefinder.com/ - Wed Jul 9 2008, 05:12

I have lived in Metro Atlanta for 31 years. North Fulton has the best of everything. Suburbs of North Fulton are Roswell, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Johns Creek & Milton. Peachtree City is also very nice (South of Atlanta) in Fayette county. - Tue Jul 1 2008, 21:49

I just asked my Crystal Ball and it says yes. - Tue Jul 1 2008, 21:39

Most builders have a pricing strategy from the beginning of the development. They price lower in the beginning to get the comunity developed. The builder generally have construction loans to cover. Then they go up in price based on the plan. Near the end of a contstruction phase, they may do some discounts. Also some less than desirable lots me be discounted. Builders generally like to keep the prices going up to help their bottom line and to give the previous buyers a feeling that the community is raising in value.

Of couse the current market is an exception. However most builders have already adjusted their prices accordingly. They are hesitant to lower prices much from the list price. However they may be more willing to negotiate on quality of fixtures or extras. - Tue Jul 1 2008, 21:29