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With home prices rising in most areas of the country for the past six to eight years, many people naturally worry about the next housing market downturn. Why? Well, many of these same people can vividly recall the turmoil they went through a decade ago when a large portion of the people in this country (and many other countries) lost their homes, jobs, savings and retirement accounts.

While I think there are some who may be a little jealous that they missed their opportunity to buy low, I’m sure many people are simply cautious to jump in after all the destruction they witnessed after the last housing bubble. History tells us that current trends can't continue on forever, but is the only possible outcome another major economic collapse?

In this article, I’ll explain why I believe the housing market won't experience a collapse in 2019. In comparing our current market with where we were at a decade ago, you'll see how significantly different the two are.

So to make things a little easier to follow, I’ve broken...

About Realtor Magazine

If you’re a real estate professional, whether broker, agent, or builder, then Realtor Magazine is for you. Realtor Magazine is the official magazine of the National Association of REALTORS® and a convenient business aid for all those in the real estate world. Useful articles are featured every month, including real estate best practices, insight into trends, advice on navigating purchases, and strategies for advancing your business.

Articles are separated into different topics, making it easy to find what you’re searching for. Whether you’re interested in the latest updates on an historic court case, tips for staging a large house, or exactly how the increased interest rates will affect your business, Realtor Magazine has a well-researched, in depth article about it.

Print Editions

If you opt to subscribe to Realtor Magazine, you’ll receive plenty of useful information in every edition. Normally, the print edition includes practical articles on selling, law, and management, profiles of successful real estate professionals, interesting summaries of court cases, real estate news, new products, and informative interviews with those on the forefront of the real estate world.

Online/Digital Editions

Like most magazines in the 21st century, there is an online edition of Realtor Magazine. Subscriptions include everything you would get in the print edition, plus exclusive articles and viewpoints, as well as a fully illustrated architecture guide, extensive sales and marketing columns, news from the technology world, and both daily and weekly industry...

About Atlanta Real Estate Closing Attorneys

In Georgia, real estate attorneys conduct all closings and must perform dozens of duties before a real estate transaction can be finalized. This is why choosing a great attorney is very important.

Attorneys charge fees to cover the costs of researching the chain of title, preparing closing documents, performing the closing, and recording the transaction with the county. The cost for a standard residential closing varies, but is typically between $400-$800. This may not include fees for the title search, title insurance, recording fees, transfer fees, taxes, bank charges, etc.

Real Estate Closing F.A.Q.’s

1. Who does the real estate closing attorney represent?
2. What does a real estate closing attorney do?
3. Do I need to be present to close?
4. What is power of attorney?
5. What is the GRECAA?

My List Of Top Atlanta Closing Attorneys

I've put together a list of reputable firms that close thousands of transactions each year and are highly regarded throughout the industry. As a top Atlanta real estate agent, I work closely with attorneys like these and others to ensure the closing goes smoothly. The following is my list of the top real estate closing attorneys serving the Metro Atlanta area:

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About Real Estate Brokers In Metro Atlanta

There are thousands of real estate brokers and more than 35,000 active real estate agents in the Metro Atlanta area alone. Brokerages can range in size from independent one-man operations, to large companies with thousands of agents and hundreds of support staff. These residential real estate companies have agents who specialize in all types of property, including: single family homes, condos, townhomes, land, lots, multi-family, investment properties, vacation homes and more.

This article includes the top residential real estate brokers in Atlanta by firm type, including: large brokerages, luxury brokerages, and boutique/specialty brokerages. I've also included a section about brokerage fees and how they work.

The Top Large Real Estate Brokerages

Large real estate firms typically have hundreds of agents and multiple office locations throughout the city. Many of these brokerages have brand affiliations with some of the most well known real estate companies in the nation.

Atlanta Communities

With more than 600 REALTORS® in Georgia, Atlanta Communities is a full service real estate brokerage that covers all of Metro Atlanta. Atlanta Communities specializes in both residential and commercial real estate sales. With five Metro Atlanta office locations, it’s easy to find Atlanta Communities, whether you live in Dunwoody, Midtown, Kennesaw, West Cobb, or Woodstock....

The Fine Dining Capital Of Georgia?

Known for its popular shopping, dining and entertainment options, Buckhead is Metro Atlanta’s go to destination for fine dining. Not surprisingly, Buckhead’s real estate market, filled with high-end homes and luxury condos, reflects the sophisticated tastes of those who call the area home. If you’re in the mood for great food and an upscale dining experience, keep reading to learn more about the top Buckhead restaurants that made the list.

Bone's

Since opening in 1979, Bone's has become one of the most popular restaurants in Atlanta, and possibly one of the best in America. Steaks and seafood are the mainstay at Bone's; prime beef, fresh fish, and Maine lobster, to be specific. Bone's is widely considered the best steakhouse in Atlanta, receiving the Best of Atlanta Steakhouse each year since 1999.

The restaurant has also been recognized by Zagat as having the highest rating for both food and service of any steakhouse in America. Bone's is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner (except most major holidays). The restaurant is a great location for special occasions and regularly plays host to business lunches and dinners.

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Real Estate Education & Training

Real estate is a business that is constantly evolving, therefore, its practitioners must do the same. Whether you’re an agent, appraiser or a broker, education and training is essential to a successful career.

Real estate schools offer courses on everything from basic principals to advanced selling techniques, as well as designations & certifications that allow for specialized training in various aspects of the business. Some schools even offer online versions of their training courses, so those with challenging schedules can still take part.

New Agent Training

Proper education and training are essential because a career in real estate is sink or swim, with most new agents getting out of the business within their first year. For those looking to get started selling real estate, the Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC) currently requires the completion of a 75 hour pre-license course.

In addition, perspective agents must pass an examination administered by AMP that is approved by the Commission. These are merely the first steps on the path to becoming a top Atlanta real estate agent. For those seeking training with an accredited company, I’ve put together a list of Atlanta’s top real estate schools.

My List Of Top Real Estate Schools In Atlanta

Metro Brokers Academy

Known as the #1 real estate school in Georgia, the Metro Brokers Academy provides both in-class and online training courses. Additional education for agents is also available. ...

A Great City For Sports Fans

Not only does Atlanta offer dozens of restaurants, museums, and music venues, but it also provides residents with sports teams that entertain year round. It is said that the sport’s pride and spirit in Atlanta is unlike any other town; fans are loyal, even when teams don’t perform to expectations. Tried and true, Atlanta sports fans hang on and keep hoping, which is a trait that makes Atlanta special.

The Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks joined the National Basketball Association in 1949; the team originally belonged in Milwaukee and St. Louis, and then landed in Atlanta in 1968. The team plays at Phillips Arena. Notable players include Dominique Wilkins and Jason Terry.

The Atlanta Hawks have a long-time rivalry with the Boston Celtics, and fans wait with anticipation each year for the game. The rivalry has lasted more than 50 years and is always entertaining.

Basketball season in Atlanta is much anticipated, not only for the game itself but the atmosphere that invades Phillips Arena every time the Atlanta Hawks set foot inside. Any home game is not to be missed.

The Atlanta Falcons

After joining the NFL in...

Brookhaven City Parks

One of the most popular cities in Metro Atlanta, Brookhaven provides not only amazing restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, but also a wide array of public parks. Several parks have been brought to the attention of the city council, specifically Brookhaven Park, Ashford Park, Skyland Park, and Georgian Hills Park.

Park regulars cited a desire for walking trails and on-site restrooms in these particular parks; those that voted to convert Brookhaven into a city have been quoted as saying their main focus was park maintenance and improvement, and they’ve wasted no time in beginning the improvement process.

Map Of All Brookhaven Parks

More About Brookhaven's Top Parks

Some of the city's parks simply have benches and a playground; some house sports teams and walking trails and tennis courts. Local residents propose the addition of new amenities including: shaded playgrounds, water fountains, swimming pool renovations, and an increased number of playgrounds.

Murphey Candler Park

One of the largest parks in Brookhaven, Murphey Candler Park provides a well-rounded experience for every visitor. A large swimming pool is a community...

The Business Hub Of The Southeast

For many years, Atlanta has been a southern hub of business and commerce. So much so that numerous Fortune 500 companies have decided to call Atlanta home. From startups & tech companies to large & small businesses alike, many are flocking to Atlanta every day due to the city’s educated labor supply, moderate climate and international travel hub.

In addition, Atlanta’s housing market makes relocating employees more affordable, especially when coming from other large cities like New York, Boston and Los Angeles.

The Home Depot

Founded in 1978 by four Atlanta businessmen, including Arthur Blank and Bernard Marcus, The Home Depot is a widely-known home improvement store that is based in Cobb County, Georgia. The chain grew quickly, going from two original stores in 1979 to multiple stores in all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, all provinces in Canada, and Mexico.

Stores run about 105,000 square feet in size; some stores are now offering fuel centers to its customers, as well. Several brands are offered exclusively at Home Depot, including Behr, Chem-Dry, and Homelite.

In addition to a wide array of home improvement items, The Home Depot also holds a vested interest in philanthropy and community improvement. The Home Depot Foundation,...

History Of The Atlanta Airport

April of 1925 saw the first rumblings of an Atlanta airport. Originally an abandoned racetrack, the 287 acres soon became a working airport and was named Candler Field, after the old owner’s family and Coca-Cola founder Asa Candler.

During its formative years, Hartsfield-Jackson was visited by Charles Lindbergh and his Spirit of St. Louis, saw Delta Air Lines’ first flight, and in 1948, more than 1 million travelers passed through its doors.

Becoming The Busiest Airport In The World

In 1957, Hartsfield-Jackson became the busiest airport in the country; 2 million travelers passed through that year. Also that year, between 12pm and 2pm each day, Atlanta’s airport became the busiest in the world. In 1971, William B. Hartsfield died and the airport was officially renamed to William B. Hartsfield Atlanta Airport.

Several months later, however, international flights began and the name was changed again to William B. Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport. In 1999, Hartsfield-Jackson officially becomes the World’s Busiest Airport after seeing 73.5 million travelers in 1998.

Expansion & Growth

Throughout the late 70s and 80s, construction was a constant occurrence, whether on terminals or fields, parking lots or towers. The number of yearly travelers was growing exponentially, and the airport struggled to keep up. June of 1988 saw MARTA’s line extended into the airport itself, making travel easier for Atlanta’s citizens.

In 1996, the Atrium was completed as part of the Hartsfield Improvement Program,...

Top Events In Atlanta - May 2015

April showers are long over, and the month of May has arrived, and with it festivals, concerts, and other outdoor activities that allow you to take advantage of Atlanta’s beautiful spring weather. What follows is only a sampling of the many events that are taking place around this beautiful city in the month of May.

The Georgia Renaissance Festival (Weekends In May)

Back for its 30th year, The Georgia Renaissance Festival is a favorite pastime. With traditional Renaissance food, an artist’s market, games, rides, and dozens of live performances, the festival has made itself a can’t-miss tradition. Each weekend is themed, so a good time is guaranteed, no matter the day you visit. The Georgia Renaissance Festival is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Taste of Alpharetta (May 7th)

For the past 25 years, the Taste of Alpharetta has introduced festival goers to new foods and restaurants. With over 60 restaurants participating, you’re sure to find a new favorite or two. The ambience is worth going for, as well, with historic downtown Alpharetta the backdrop; enjoy demonstrations, games, cooking competitions, and live music as well.

Pick’n in Grant Park (May 8th-9th)

Spend a weekend listening to live music and plenty of BBQ – what else could you ask for? Pick’n in Grant Park, organized by the Grant Park Conservancy, is in its inaugural year and brings together Atlanta’s best BBQ makers to compete for...

Helping Rebuild Low Income Areas

Just last month, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate announced its philanthropic partnership with Rebuilding Together, a nationally recognized nonprofit that provides assistance for those unable to care for their homes, as well as communities and neighborhoods in need. The only agency that Rebuilding Together is partnering with, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate plans to encourage their more than 10,000 real estate professionals to raise awareness in their individual communities for this amazing nonprofit.

How BHGRE Offices & Agents Can Help

There are several ways for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate agents to participate, from sponsoring a build, hosting a fundraising event, donating on behalf of themselves or clients, and using marketing campaigns. Additionally, individual Better Homes and Garden Real Estate offices and teams can partner with a local Rebuilding Together chapter, combining forces to produce results.

About Rebuilding Together

Rebuilding Together was founded in 1973 in Midland, Texas. The community realized that several of their neighbors couldn’t afford to maintain their homes, and so the community rallied around them, assisting with repairs, updates, and other vital...

Great Atlanta Festivals & Events To Kickoff Spring

With spring flowers and temperatures comes events and festivals; the Metro Atlanta area comes alive with activity. No matter what area you call home – Woodstock, East Point, Midtown – you will find a festival or event near you. Here is my list of the top events in Atlanta for the month of April:

Atlanta Dogwood Festival

Every spring for the past 79 years, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival has been the harbinger of the new season. Artists from all over the country fill the walkways of Piedmont Park; live music echoes through the park from morning to night; delicious food trucks and vendors provide a welcome respite from walking and shopping. The Dogwood Festival is the quintessential spring event, and one that shouldn’t be missed.

April 10-12, Piedmont Park, Midtown

Lemonade Days

Since 1999, Lemonade Days has been a Dunwoody favorite, growing from a small weekend gathering to a five day event. Carnival rides, games, food trucks, arts & crafts, wine and beer, live music, and a classic car show round out the weekend. Over 80,000 people are expected to attend, family and couples alike, so take the short drive to Dunwoody and make some memories.

April 15-19, Brook Run Park, Dunwoody

Alpharetta Art Streetfest

The Alpharetta Art Streetfest is a yearly favorite, celebrating art along the scenic...

Popular Attractions For Tourists & Locals

Atlanta has long been a tourist hub, especially with Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport only a short drive away. Atlanta is also a city of diversity, which is echoed in the variety of exciting attractions. No matter your tastes or preferences, there will be an Atlanta attraction for you.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

In the heart of Midtown, the Atlanta Botanical Garden has been a city favorite since the late 70s. Originally developed by a group of Atlanta citizens, the Garden signed a 50-year lease with the city and has been growing steadily ever since.

The 80s saw a quick increase of exhibits, events, and popularity; the Raiford Intern Program was founded in 1981, the education program expanded in 1982, the first concert held in 1984, and the Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory opened in 1989.

By the 90s, the Garden was growing flowers and plants that most Atlantans had never before seen, some of them rare and endangered. The Gainesville location was fully funded in the year 2000, and the Garden as it is known today opened to great fanfare in 2009.

Favorite attractions at the Atlanta Botanical Garden include the Canopy Walk, a 600-feet elevated pathway that allows one to walk through the treetops, overlooking Storza Woods,...

List Of Brookhaven's Top Restaurants

When the weekend rolls around and you’re mentally and physically exhausted from the work week, a night out is in order. In the past, residents of Brookhaven and other North Atlanta areas had to brave Buckhead or Midtown traffic to find suitable places to enjoy their evenings. Not anymore. With the recent real estate boom in Brookhaven came an influx of new restaurants and gathering places. From sushi to Southern, what follows is a list of the best restaurants in Brookhaven.

Noche Tequila & Tapas Bar

If you’re looking for a restaurant that can easily transition from cool winter to hot summer, look no further than Noche. Originally a Virginia-Highland staple, Noche opened in Town Brookhaven a short while ago and has garnered rave reviews.

Open for lunch, dinner, and beyond, Noche boasts a large menu of tapas including tacos, salads, and plenty of Spanish favorites. Their margarita is famous, as well, and pairs well with any small plate.

Perhaps one of the best features of this Brookhaven restaurant is the large outdoor area, complete with an indoor/outdoor bar. If you find the weather too cold, however, the décor indoors won’t...

Development Companies Serving Metro Atlanta

The top Atlanta real estate developers mentioned in today's article are responsible for creating some of the city's most recognizable developments, such as: Atlantic Station, Lindbergh City Center, the new Braves stadium mixed-use project, countless office/business parks and more.

Taking massive projects like these from an idea to a completed project requires a strong team that can manage all aspects of the development process. Because of its complexity, real estate development requires vision, knowledge, experience, capital, a great team, and sometimes, a little luck. Continue reading to learn more about the top real estate developers in Atlanta.

Carter (www.CarterUSA.com)

With more than 50 years of experience, Carter prides itself on creating value and results for its partners. One of the top real estate investment groups in Atlanta, Carter has invested more than $875 million in assets since 2005. Not only that, Carter co-sponsors two REITs with a focus on single tenant, net leased properties.

Their investment strategy includes a mix of private equity, institutional equity, and bank financing, a winning combination in the real estate world. With options to invest, develop, or seek advice, Carter will remain at the forefront of Atlanta real estate for years to come.

Carter has no specific focus, but instead builds...

Profits Hit New High, Flips At 5 Year Low

Despite the number of flipped homes hitting a five year low, the gross returns for investors hit a new high in the third quarter of 2014. According to RealtyTrac®, the average gross profit per flip was $75,990 in Q3 of 2014. So with record profits and home prices soaring the past two years, you would think all the home flippers would be back at it, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Are they fearful of losing it all in another housing bubble, or is something else holding them back?

Why Profits Are At Record Levels

The nationwide home price appreciation that started in the beginning of 2013 appears to be the primary reason for record profits across the board. With home prices jumping 15% - 30% or more in many markets, it’s only logical that the profits for home flippers see the same spike, possibly even more pronounced. With the inventory of homes for sale remaining low, home flippers have the advantage of putting newly renovated houses in front of hungry buyers looking for a move-in-ready property, a definite recipe for bidding wars and higher selling prices.

Additional Thoughts On Home Flipping (Video)

Zillow Partnership Brings Exclusive Agent Presence

Zillow is currently the undisputed leader in domestic real estate search traffic, so it made perfect sense for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers to sign an exclusive partnership agreement for all company listings. The deal was finalized last month and was designed to give Metro Brokers' agents sole agent presence on their listings, making the listing agent the go-to resource for property information.

Partnership Benefits For Home Buyers

The partnership provides Zillow users with a better experience when inquiring about a Metro Brokers listing on both the mobile, and the desktop versions of the site. When calling or submitting an email inquiry, users are now put in direct contact with the actual Metro Brokers listing agent, not a handful of rookie agents paying for exposure. Buyers will appreciate getting the information they need about a property without being hounded by multiple agents, all of which are only concerned about picking up new business.  

Removing the advertising agents from our listings reduces the on-page clutter and eliminates the confusion of who to turn to for additional listing information. After all, who knows more about a home for sale? The listing agent who is working directly with the seller, or the agents paying Zillow big bucks to appear next to random listings in hopes of picking up business? By eliminating all but the actual listing agent, we’ve provided a direct route for home buyers to get the best information on all BHGRE Metro Brokers listings.

Partnership...

Prepare Your Home Now To Prevent Costly Damage

With extremely cold air moving in from the north, temperatures in the Atlanta area are forecast to reach the low 20’s within the next week. Although temperatures will likely stay above freezing during the daylight hours, you shouldn't risk a burst pipe when the temperature drops at night.

This weekend may be the best time to go ahead and prepare your home for winter, especially if temperatures drop lower than forecasted. Tuesday’s low may reach 20 degrees with 20 mph winds, so exposed pipes could be an issue.

How To Winterize Faucets/Pipes In Unheated Areas

1. Disconnect water hoses from outdoor hose bibs. Drain the water from each hose and store them for the winter.
2. Close the water line shutoff valves for all exterior water fixtures. Shut off valves can typically be found under sinks, in your crawl space or basement, near your water heater and/or main supply lines.
3. Open/turn on each of the exterior faucets to bleed the remaining water from the lines.
4. Install covers on each exterior faucet for additional protection from the cold. These covers can be found at most hardware stores...