Don't blame the real estate appraiser if the house you're trying to sell or buy isn't worth what you thought it was. Don't shoot the messenger said Appraisal Institute President Sara W. Stephens. Stephens went on to say buyers and sellers often have emotional value attached to a home or are unaware of the market. Stephens pointed out that appraisals completed for mortgage transactions are used to assist lenders in making lending decisions and are not intended to confirm a listing, contract or sales price. Theres no reason to assume the contract price is the correct price. Appraisers dont set the real estate market; they reflect whats happening in the market.
Today the law prohibits the loan officer from talking to appraisers or selecting the appraiser. However, experienced and competent appraisers know how to adjust properly when factoring in foreclosed and/or distressed properties against a subject property. Whether you are buying or selling, when you engage a REALTOR to assist you with your real estate transaction, a comparable market analysis should give you the proper guidance on where to price your home if you are listing; and, help you determine a fair offer price if you are the buying.
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Source: RisMedia
Perspectives on whether the SPLOST tax for the schools should be extended vary. With the economy struggling and Atlanta's unemployment over 9%, some wonder how you can continue to squeeze blood out of a turnip. However, to maintain the quality school system that Gwinnett County currently is recognized for how can you put an end to the tax? Those questions were put to rest as voters went to the polls on Tuesday. The extension of the SPLOST tax won by 60%. With about 14% of registered voters going to the polls, a total of 30,955 people voted "yes" while 20,277 people voted against it. The extension of the tax is projected to bring approximately $876 million dollars to the school system for technology, building of schools as well as make renovations over the next five years.
When visiting Atlanta, it is suprising to visitors to see that beer and wine is not sold in stores on Sunday. A law that has kept alcohol sales from being sold here in the Gwubbett County came to an end on Tuesday - for the individual cities. Thirteen (13) cities had the beer, wine referendum on the ballot. As the title read on the front page of the Gwinnett Daily Post Wednesday morning, "SUNDAY SALES SAILS". Suwanee voters sent a resounding message to have Sunday sales of beer and wine by a vote of 1023 (yes); and, 341 (no). With the exception of Lilburn, most of the other cities adopted ordinances when they placed the measure on the ballots. In these cities, you can expect to pick up your favorite bottle of wine or your six pack of beer within a week and a half. For those living in unincorporated Gwinnett County you may have the option to have your voice heard in March, 2012.
Clear Capital Home Data Index came out this month ranking the best performing major cities in the housing market. And, no surprise to see that Atlanta did not make the list. Here is how they lined up:
TOP PERFORMING MAJOR CITIES FOR THE FIRST HALF of 2011
Atlanta home sales do seem to be on the up-tick......exceeding expectations but home prices continue to struggle. According to Smart Numbers, the average sales price of single family 
And good or bad, many home owners are sitting on the side lines waiting for prices to go back up. Unfortunately, the increase in home values is going to take time....years! And, as they begin to tick back up you can expect to see interest rates to go right along with the prices. Sitting on the sidelines waiting for a return of home values will most likely be offset by high interest rates. The adage, "Sell low, buy low" is probably worth living by if you want to take advantage of the historically low rates that continue to keep our housing market afloat.
