What to Do if You Can't Find a Home

What to Do if You Can't Find a Home Finding a home in a hot market can be challenging. Supply is limited, and bidding wars are common with demand so high.  You may find yourself up against dozens of buyers, making it hard to snag the home — and at a price, you can afford. It’s important not to lose hope, though. Despite the competitive market, there are ways to find (and buy) your dream home. Are you having trouble with your home search? These tips might help: Get pre-approved for your mortgage. Having pre-approval is critical in a highly active housing market. It could give you a leg up over other buyers, and it can help you gauge your budget more accurately. Expand your search area. Branching out a little often helps open more inventory — and it may reduce your competition. If your lifestyle allows for it, you might even want to try looking in more rural areas. Change your ideal property type. Rather than only focusing on single-family homes, what about searching for townhouses, condos, and duplexes too? If you choose the latter, you might be able to rent out the other half to help cover your mortgage. Shop under your budget. Looking for properties well under your maximum budget allows you to bid comfortably above list price and beat out other buyers — without risking your financial standing. Look into building or renovating. Maybe you’d like a new construction home instead of buying an existing house. Or you can look to fixer-uppers and plan to renovate the home before moving. Just make sure you talk to your lender about loan options, as your choice may change what type of mortgage you need. Do you need help on your home search? Get in touch today.

MORE

Benefits of Solar Energy

Benefits of Solar Energy 1. Lower Energy Bills One of the biggest benefits of solar energy is saving money on your electricity bills. By making your own electricity, you can use less from the power company and save money over time. 2. Good for the Environment Solar energy is clean and renewable, which means it doesn’t harm the environment. Using solar power helps reduce pollution and supports a healthier planet. 3. Increases Home Value Homes with solar panels can be worth more. Buyers often like homes that have lower utility bills and are eco-friendly, so they might pay more for your home if it has solar panels. 4. Tax Credits and Incentives There are special programs that can help you pay for solar panels. For example, the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) gives you a 26% credit for solar systems installed before the end of 2022. Georgia also has its own incentives. 5. Energy Independence With solar panels, you can be less dependent on your local utility company. This can be helpful during power outages or natural disasters. Pitfalls of Solar Energy 1. High Initial Costs Buying and installing solar panels can be expensive at first. While prices have dropped, it’s still a big upfront cost. 2. Weather Dependent Solar panels need sunlight to work. Although Georgia is sunny, cloudy days and changes in seasons can affect how much energy your panels make. 3. Maintenance and Repairs Solar panels don’t need a lot of maintenance, but they do need some. You might need to clean them and get them checked once in a while. Repairs can also be costly if something goes wrong. 4. Looks Some people think solar panels don’t look nice on their roofs. Even though new designs are better, it’s something to think about if you care about how your home looks. 5. Installation Process Installing solar panels can be complicated. It involves getting permits, having inspections, and working with the power company. This can take time and might be frustrating. Is Solar Energy Right for You? Deciding to get solar panels is a big choice. It depends on your budget, how much energy you use, and your long-term plans. It’s a good idea to do a cost-benefit analysis and talk to a trusted solar energy provider to make the best decision. Conclusion Solar energy can offer great benefits for Georgia homeowners, like saving money and helping the environment. But it also has some challenges you need to consider. By knowing the pros and cons, you can decide if solar energy is right for your home. For more tips on making your home more energy-efficient or exploring real estate opportunities in Metro Atlanta, comment “Real Estate” below. The A-Z Atlanta Realty Team would love to work with you!

MORE

Deal of the Week: Charming Chosewood Park Home!

Deal of the Week: Charming Chosewood Park Home! Discover the gem of Chosewood Park, a neighborhood where homes rarely hit the market. This unique property, which has been a rental for years with strong rent history, is now available! Here’s why this 4-bedroom, 2-bath home is perfect for you: Prime Location: Nestled in the heart of Chosewood Park, steps away from the 6-acre park with playgrounds, a baseball diamond, tennis courts, pickleball, and walking trails. Split Floorplan: Ideal for roommates or families, with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath on each level. Character & Charm: Enjoy hardwood floors, abundant natural light, and spacious rooms ready for your personal touch. New Developments: Across the street from the upcoming Sawtell development, the largest mixed-use destination on the BeltLine’s Southside Trail corridor, offering restaurants, retail, food trucks, co-working spaces, and more. Walkability: Easily walk to The Beacon, Grant Park Farmer's Market, Southside Beltline, Red's Beer Garden, and Grant Park. Investment Opportunity: Perfectly livable but ready for custom upgrades, this home offers great potential in a desirable area. Key Features: Property Type: Single Family Property Style: Bungalow Number of Bedrooms: 4 Number of Bathrooms: 2 Full Building Size: 1,770 square feet Lot Size: 0.20 acres Year Built: 1928 This price point in Chosewood Park will go quickly. Come check it out and bring us an offer. Ask the agent about the available down payment grant (free money!). Contact Ava Anderson with A-Z Atlanta Realty today to schedule a viewing and make this charming home yours. Comment “Real Estate” below if you're interested in this fantastic opportunity! #ChosewoodPark #DealOfTheWeek #AtlantaRealEstate #HomeForSale #RealEstate #AZAtlantaRealtyTeam #InvestmentOpportunity #AtlantaHomes

MORE