Matt Thomas' Blog

The average sales price for 4 bedroom homes in Athens, GA is approximately $205,862, according to a recent study by Coldwell Banker. Their annual Home Price Comparison Index suggests that Athens ranks 40th in affordability, when compared to the top 120 college markets in the U.S.

Akron, Ohio was the most affordable market, and Palo Alto, California was the most expensive.

The study cites lifestyle, culture and economic stability among the list of reasons college towns so popular with buyers.

Most of us consider the upcoming holiday season to be a time for family, gift-giving and food. However, the Athens community has many families that dread the holiday season because they don’t have access to those same items that many of us take for granted.
I have a huge heart for kids when it comes to charitable giving, because kids are usually products of their environment and have no means to better themselves. So, each holiday season, I adopt “Angels” from the Salvation Army.
This program allows you to buy Christmas gifts (clothes, toys, etc) for a specific child that might otherwise not receive many, or any, gifts. The Salvation Army will provide their names and sizes, and you buy the gifts. If you enjoy shopping, you can sponsor a local child and dropoff at the local Salvation Army location. “I don’t have time to go shopping” is not an excuse, because you can adopt an angel and shop for them online. And, if you don’t like shopping in person or online, call us at Atlas … we will gladly volunteer our time and do the shopping for you, if you’d rather just make a monetary donation.
It’s a great program, and I strongly encourage you to participate. Help make a difference in the Athens, GA community and more impotantly in the life of a child.

Both the house and senate have agreed to extend the $8000 first-time homebuyer tax credit through May 1st, 2010. In addition, ANY homeowner that’s lived in their home for 5 of the past 8 years can now also claim a $6,500 rebate as well.
This is big news for those of us in the real estate community, as this credit seems to be the driving motivation behind a large percentage of recent home-buying decisions. Please let me know if you’re interested in more specific info on this credit, or if you’d like to take advantage of this incredible opportunity in the Athens, GA real estate market.

For the first time since 2005, home prices are expected to increase in 2010, according to a leading panel of economic forecasters.

Appreciation will be slow due to lingering unemployment issues, but most are expecting gains in value of around 2%.

If you’d like a free market analysis showing your homes value, please call or email anytime.

Everyone knows there are good deals in real estate right now.  But, who has the money, right?  Well, if you're considering a purchase in a rural area, you might not need as much money as you thought.

Buyers that are willing to live outside urban areas can still take advantage of 100% loans through government-backed programs, such as the USDA Rural Development program.  Through this USDA loan, buyers can still borrow 100% of the purchase price, plus some closing costs can be financed as well.  In a time where most lbanks are requiring 5-10% down on owner occupied properties, this is a really attractive option.

When combined with the government tax rebates, all-time low mortgage rates, and discount-pricing on homes, this financing option makes now a better time than ever to consider a purchase.

If you're a homebuyer in general, now is a good time ... if you're a first-time buyer, now is a GREAT time!

... from someone who's proud to be an American and grateful to be a small part of the greatest country in the world!