HOME APPRECIATION RATES

The following is a guest blog from Jeffrey Heckman and Joanne Rotella with Shelter Mortgage Company and does not necessarily reflect the views of GeorgiaMoves.com

No one needs to be reminded of the fact that home prices fell after the last housing boom. Many observers predicted a continuation of that trend. Now, however, the market has returned to a historically average level of appreciation. We can also see that variance from year to year is perfectly normal.

So will values continue to increase? Truth is that no one knows for certain as many factors influence home prices. However, we do know where prices are right now and even more importantly, where interest rates are, and that’s still close to historic lows. The combination of prices that are

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During the month of August 2013, Atlanta home sales prices for single family detached residences averaged $244,297 versus $186, 864 in August 2012. Additionally, during August 2013, Atlanta home sales prices for single family attached residences averaged $182,703 versus $143,216 in August 2012. Houses and condos showed significant gains of approximately 30% from the prior year, a very positive sign. Inventory levels for detached single family homes declined about 4% while inventory levels for attached single family homes declined a whopping 29%, year over year for August. See the Atlanta home sales statistical map that provides insight into which areas of Atlanta are selling the fastest and which areas of Atlanta are selling for the most money.

Atlanta home sales statistics

Having been licensed since 1994,

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The following is a guest blog from Jeffrey Heckman and Joanne Rotella with Shelter Mortgage Company and does not necessarily reflect the views of GeorgiaMoves.com

1. Of course, the big news last week was our country’s first partial government shutdown in 17 years! Surprisingly, though, the impact on the mortgage business has been minimal. The only big loss thus far has been the USDA rural housing program. Be aware that the longer the shutdown drags out, though, the more problems and delays will begin to occur.

2. The government shutdown’s impact on mortgage rates has also been minimal mostly because U.S. Government economic reports are not being released. The markets will be less volatile with less news being reported.

3. The first Friday of each month is usually notable for the reaction to the Employment report but, obviously, there was no report released on Friday. Investors were forced to adjust

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The following is a guest blog from Jeffrey Heckman and Joanne Rotella with Shelter Mortgage Company and does not necessarily reflect the views of GeorgiaMoves.com

1. Mortgage rates pushed a little higher last week as minutes from the Federal Reserve’s July 31 meeting were released and confirmed investor expectations that the Fed will almost certainly begin to “taper” its bond purchase program in September or October.

2. Mortgage rates then reversed course and fell back when the July New Home Sales report caught investors by surprise and showed a 13% drop from June.

3. Several Fed officials have expressed concerns that rising rates will slow the pace of economic growth. The decline in New Home Sales provides clear support that these concerns are justified. The question is whether the data will be enough to cause the Fed to hold off longer before tapering its bond purchases. Economic data released

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Georgia’s Most Expensive Homes for Sale

As of August 13 2013, there are over 1,000 active listings in metro Atlanta over $1,000,000 according to the First Multiple Listing Service. To preview the most expensive homes in the metro Atlanta area, click here.