As you gear up for 2009 consider the following home ideas.  These trends not only relate to homes in Sandy Springs, GA but residents all over the nation.  These trends are forecasted by leading national real estate analysts:
 
1.  Home Buyers Are Considering A Return To The Market. 
There has been a tremendous amount of changes over the last three years in the market.  Since the economic churn and the downturn in the real estate market since September 2008 the trend is for buyers that have been waiting out the market transition are now encouraged get proactive and recognize that it’s finally time to buy the new home that suits their family’s needs. Mortgage rates are at an all time low (under 5% for people with good to great credit), and sellers are throwing in a lot of perks to sell their homes. 
 
2.  Better Real Estate Journalism. 
All segments of the real estate market weren’t affected by the doom-and-gloom residential real estate market. A number of consumers learned that the headlines didn’t apply to them.  Overall, homes in Sandy Springs, GA were not affected by the downturn.  Some homes are selling with multiple contracts on the table.  Also, the news hasn’t reported that in certain areas of the country home are selling quickly, many at asking price.  You haven’t heard of these transactions in the endless foreclosure stories that’s circling on the news and in the papers. Plus, the overall decrease in home sales has been considerably less drastic than the recent correction in the U.S. stock market.  Over five million people purchased a home in 2008, despite the negative headlines.
 
3.  Seller financing.
Home sellers are increasingly considering self-financing to move properties.  Installment sale contracts and lease-to-own are the most popular and effective ways for sellers to start receiving income from a property that has been stagnant in the recent market.
 
4.  Real Estate Agent: Consultant …Not Only a Salesperson.
Agents are not longer just selling a home or helping someone find a home.  The winners among agents are providing resources to help the consumer determine if they should buy or sell a home.  These agents are providing their clients with up to date information about the industry, mortgage rates, and what laws and policies that are being enacted.  Also, a knowledgeable agent knows that home ownership is not for everyone.  Factors such as a job move in three years or less, bad credit, and lack of interest in home maintenance all can be reasons for an agent to advise their client to wait on a home purchase.
5.  Property Taxes.
The marketplace for a competitively priced home has increased.  Buyers are savvier and can perform the majority of their research online before going and viewing a house or calling an agent.  Sellers with the most realistic property taxes are more likely to offer buyers an overall lower expense in home ownership. That can be quite attractive to a buyer with minimal funds.  With home prices dropping, many savvy home owners are appealing their property taxes.   
 
6.  Garage Doors: Architectural Plus.
The desire for architectural detail has moved to the door people see the most.  Garage door are becoming a more pivotal decision for buyers.  Buyers would like a more contemporary look, which can include mullioned windows, faux wrought iron hinges and latches that provide the old-fashioned non-overhead garage door look.  These updates can blend with the curb appeal to make the entire outdoor space more inviting and eye catching.