Hi Hayley -

The 250K range will give you a good selection; more will be found east of 400 than west. East might work better for his commute as he won't need to cross 400 to get to work and you can easily access it as well.

You have 60 days or so to get lined up for the first time buyer benefit so you need to be well organized with a productive and efficient agent. Obviously I'd like to compete for that slot and my approach is much different as I'm a broker and appraiser, I go right to the closed sales and look at from the appraisal side. It's going to end up there so I just get right to it; everything else is clutter.

Have a look at the buyer section of my site, if I can help please feel free to drop me an email. Good hunting Hayley....

Hank Miller, SRA, ABR
Associate Broker & Certified Appraiser
Prudential GA Realty
678-428-8276

Hayley -
Thanks for posting back with more information. That certainly helps - and kudos to Chuck for actually answering your question with some subdivisions - and some great suggestions too. I would add to that Camden Ridge, Pinewalk, Silver Ridge, The Forest, the Winthrope subdivisions - some of which are a little further from the exact area of interest, but certainly within a few miles.

While choosing a subdivision will help you identify properties in your price range, I wouldn't generally encourage you to find a subdivision, fall in love with it and then try to identify certain properties there or wait for properties to come on the market. You are probably better off identifying properties that may be of interest and then getting to know the subdivision, schools and other places of interest within that area.

I'm sure that you know we have very strong schools in this area, but you can also check http://www.greatschools.net as you get closer to identifying a property or subdivision. North Fulton just redistricted a lot of schools this last year and there's probably not too many more changes coming real soon, but be mindful of that as well.

I applaud you too for not jumping on the tax credit bandwagon. While anyone would like to get/save/keep $8000, you shouldn't rush out just because of it. On the flip side, it is very possible to TRY to find you a place and close on it prior to Dec. 1 - depending on a number of factors. I had someone start looking two weeks ago and we're under contract now to close end of October.

Be advised too that you can communicate with a number of realtors and choose one who seems to work the best for you. I wouldn't spend a full day out with several and then choose, but you can certainly email or chat with a few on the phone. The people who seem pushy, full of real estate jargon about the tax credit or that's it's the best time to buy ever or seem desperate for your business are probably easy to eliminate quickly!!

I pulled up a quick list of places - separately with and without basements - and wanted to let you grab these links and see if they offer any insight - you can click on the "media" link for more pictures and on the address for a map.

With basements:
http://fmlslistings.marketlinx.com/SearchDetail/Scripts/PrtB…

Without basements:
http://fmlslistings.marketlinx.com/SearchDetail/Scripts/PrtB…

Best of luck to you guys! Let me know if I can answer any other questions or get you more information about the area.

Lee
RE/MAX Greater Atlanta
lee@leeadkins.net
404 966 3247

Haley ....You can look in these subdivisions as they fit your previous description of what you guys desire. They are located between Roswell and Norcross....

Laurelwood; Hillbrooke; Cameron Forest; Rivermont; Stradford Wood; River Terrace; Leeward Walk; Breckenridge; Martins Landing; Brookhollow; Studdiford

Happy House Hunting !!!

Chuck

Hi Hayley:

Congrats!! on deciding to purchase your first home...definitely an exciting time iin your lives. The only way to get started is to determine your price range for this home along with your needs, wants, and desires.You definitely want to work with a strong agent who is looking out for your guys needs and also a mortgage company that can get the deal financed for you prior to the federal tax credit expiring.

If you plan to do this on your own get me all your relevant info and I'd be happy to forward you subdivisions that would fit your requirements and provide you with a few great lenders who will look out for you and give you an honest assessment of what your price range should be in relation to income.

I look forward to hearing from you either by phone at 770-714-7077 or via email at chuckgreen@kw.com

Chuck

our budget is around $250,000. won't consider a townhouse. would love a swim/tennis community, but not essential. would also love finished (preferably) basement, but again, not essential. we are going to get a realtor of course, just trying to do a little homework before that point.

and we've given up on meeting that gov't deadline. :)
Hayley

Hayley -
Send us some more information on what you are looking for in a home and we would be happy to get you some relevant neighborhoods in the area.

Features that would help us are:
Price Range
Lot Size - do you want a level yard?
Basement/No Basement
Swim/Tennis community
and any particulars of the home - granite counters, two story foyer/family room, and so on.

We would be happy to get you more relevant answers than, "You need a Realtor."

Thanks!!

Lee

Have you considered a townhouse, they offer most of the amenities of a standalone house with few of the exterior woes! there is one at 415 Wellwood Way Roswell, ideal for first time buyers, lots of security and great neighbors with room for family to grow. You might want to look at, there is an open house this weekend.

As first time buyers, you'd need to find your home in the next couple of weeks in order to qualify for the free $8,000 that the government will give you for buying a home. I strongly suggest that you pair up with a Realtor (r) who knows is knowledgable in the areas that you are looking at to make sure you don't miss out and get the right home at the right price. Give me a call and I'll be glad to help you. 678-520-3113

You haven't given a price range... and considering you are first time buyers, my first suggestion is to find a buyer's agent you feel comfortable working with and a reliable lender. An experienced ABR (accredited buyer's representative) will not only save you time, but money as well. And the good news is - this isn't going to cost you anything extra.