Pruitt Pulse

Dan Parmer, President and CEO of Jenny Pruitt & Associates, has announced the addition of Allen Crosta, part of the Utana Bluffs development team, to Jenny Pruitt & Associates, REALTORS®.

“We are pleased to welcome Allen to Jenny Pruitt & Associates and are looking forward to including the Utana Bluffs Development in our second home and resort division,” says Rob Owen, Sr. Vice President and Managing Broker for the Buckhead office where Crosta will be based. “We are delighted that Allen has chosen to be a part of Jenny Pruitt & Associates.”

Crosta is a member of the Atlanta Board of Realtors®, the Georgia Association of Realtors®, the National Association of Realtors®, and attended the DIRE School of Real Estate.

According to the development’s website, Utana Bluffs, less than an hour and a half from Atlanta, is located in Gilmer County, just south of the Cohutta Wilderness Area. Comprised of 40,000 pristine acres, residents of the Utana Bluffs enjoy mountains, rivers, waterfalls and hiking trails. The master plan incorporates large, heavily wooded home sites accessed by paved roads with underground utilities. Green space incorporates picnic and lookout pavilions, ponds, meadows and access trails to the Chattahoochee National Forest.

For more information on Utana Bluffs, visit their website.

Jenny Pruitt & Associates, REALTORS, in partnership with Billian Publishing, released the spring issue of The Atlanta Collection magazine on May 1, 2008. This latest issue marks the company’s twelfth year of production and first ever companion “green” edition of the magazine, which was produced to offer an additional efficient means of distribution.

President and CEO of Jenny Pruitt & Associates, Dan Parmer explains, “As a company, our agents and staff take pride in being on the leading edge of new industry practices. With the help of Billian Publishing, we were able to develop a customized digital version of the popular publication known as a “digizine.”  The digital edition of The Atlanta Collection was created to showcase the publication in an electronic format that can be e-mailed to existing and prospective clients.” The digizine concept is unique in the sense that the viewer can “virtually” turn the pages of the magazine, flip to any page instantly, and it is 100 percent environmentally friendly.  Additional benefits include increased distribution capabilities with online links on Jenny Pruitt & Associates’ website www.jennypruitt.com, our blog, and the magazine’s own website www.atlantacollection.com.

More environmentally conscious efforts were put in place during the magazine’s production when agents were offered an online ad submission process enabling the company to eliminate excess paper waste.  Rather than using traditional means, such as paper submission forms, sales associates utilized a unique online “form” further promoting the company’s efforts to “go green.”

Since its debut in 1996, The Atlanta Collection has reached a wide array of residents in metro Atlanta and the US. There are more than 120 outstanding homes presented in this issue, with a median sales price of more than $1.8 million. With a total print distribution of over 40,000 copies, The Atlanta Collection is direct- mailed to many of Atlanta’s most affluent residential areas including Brookhaven, Buckhead, Dunwoody, Midtown, Morningside, Druid Hills, Sandy Springs, Vinings, East Cobb, Alpharetta, Roswell, and Duluth.

Jenny Pruitt & Associates, Realtors today announced the appointment of David Kaufman as associate broker of the Johns Creek office.  In his new role, David joins Rhonda Haran, senior vice president and managing broker, in overseeing the office’s daily operations.  He is responsible for marketing initiatives, advising sales associates and building an outstanding team of agents.

Previously, David was a top agent in the Johns Creek office ranking among the top five agents companywide in 2006 and top ten in 2007. 

Dan Parmer, president and CEO of Jenny Pruitt & Associates, said, “I am very excited to have David as our new associate broker.  His professionalism, deep knowledge of the real estate industry and leadership capabilities make him an outstanding choice for this position.”

David joined the company’s North Fulton office in February 2003 as a new agent and achieved Million Dollar Club status his first year.  In 2005, David was a founding member of the Johns Creek office and was honored as the number one sales associate.

David has continued to achieve Million Dollar Club status and is now a lifetime member.  In 2006, he earned his Broker’s license and ranked 26 companywide.

David brings over 11 years of management experience to our team and spent eight years pursuing his passion for golf, which he still enjoys and often participates in “long drive competitions.”

A native of Lakeland, Florida, David resides in Dunwoody.  In his leisure time, he enjoys golf, tennis, bowling, softball, and is an avid supporter of the Breast Cancer 3-Day Benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Jenny Pruitt & Associates, REALTORS® proudly announces the addition Simone Hoffman to its East Cobb office. As a licensed REALTOR® since 1988, Hoffman brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the metro Atlanta area to Jenny Pruitt & Associates. Her familiarity with housing trends, homebuilders, and Atlanta’s vast real estate markets and area neighborhoods make her an expert in the industry.

Jeanne Linden, senior vice president and managing broker for the East Cobb office, says, “I have known Simone for more than 20 years. I am absolutely thrilled she will join our team of outstanding sales associates at Jenny Pruitt & Associates. She will be a great asset to our company and team of agents.”

Hoffman has helped buyers and sellers with their most important financial commitment of buying a home for 20 years. She specializes in relocation and represents the new construction market, as well as traditional resales. Hoffman is a Phoenix award recipient - denoting over 10 years in the Atlanta Board of REALTORS® Million Dollar Club. She has been the Cobb County Board of Realtors Top Agent for 2001-2002 and 2006-2007. Hoffman has been in the Communities Top 100 Realtors for seven years and is a member of the John Wieland Board of Councilors. In addition, she is a Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer Representative and a Luxury Home Marketing Specialist.

Source: Parade Magazine

Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, you need a competitive edge to get ahead in real estate today. Here are some solid strategies to help you get the most out of the market.

If you want to buy…

Be an attractive risk. Your credit score determines the interest rate a bank will give you on a mortgage. The difference between decent and terrific credit can add tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. To improve your rating, pay down your credit-card bills. Lenders want to see that your debt doesn’t exceed 30% of your available credit. But don’t close an account once you’ve paid it off - doing so actually will hurt your score.

Buy only what you can afford. Most banks now require a down payment of 20%, but if you’re an attractive borrower, 10% may suffice. Still, the less you put down, the more you’ll pay in fees and interest. Spend no more than a third of your total pre-tax income on housing costs: mortgage, homeowners’ insurance, maintenance and property tax. Figure maintenance to be about 1% of the value of your house each year.

Choose your loan carefully. Many homeowners are in trouble because they took out adjustable mortgages with low interest rates that later spiked. A 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage is your best bet - adjustable mortgages don’t offer the rate breaks they did during the boom. Use the Internet to do your research. You’ll find articles, statistics and general resources that will help you determine which banks offer the best rates in your area and around the country.

Lowball ‘em. Bidding wars over a house are uncommon in today’s climate. Sellers anticipate having to drop their asking price, so don’t bite at the listing price. Bid low and see if the seller will come down.

If you want to sell…

Think twice before you sell. This is a bad time to expect big returns. If you don’t have to sell now, don’t. Make inexpensive improvements and wait until the market factors are more in your favor.

Find the best broker. A year ago, you could have asked agents to cut their commissions because houses sold themselves. Now you’re better off paying the full 6% to ensure you’ll get the best service. Local agents are best. They know the selling points of your community - and your house - and can be present to show it to buyers at a moment’s notice. Look for pros with at least eight years experience. If they worked in the business before the boom, they’ll do more than just weigh the best offers.

Make sure the price is right. A good agent will know what numbers get the best response from consumers. Studies show what buyers react to break points, or psychological limits. For example, a buyer with a budget of $250,000 may be willing to pay $249,000 but not $251,000. If your home is valued at $310,000, consider listing it at $300,000 or even $299,000 to maximize its sales potential.

Know which way the wind is blowing. Pricing in a free-falling market is dicey. Bard Inman, publisher of a real-estate trade publication, recently helped his parents sell their condo in Las Vegas. Pricing it at a market value of $185,000 to $195,000, he says, would have been a disaster. “We had to anticipate how much prices would fall in the time it would take to close [30 to 60 days].” So they listed the condo at $175,000 while comparable condos lingered on the market until owners cut prices by $10,000 to $20,000. “You want to avoid time on the market to stay ahead of the falling knife,” says Inman.

Senior Vice President, Managing Broker - Cobb office

Source: TodayShow.com

Before taking the plunge to buy a new home, find out if it’s a good deal

So you think you have found the house you want. It’s been a long search, and you feel about ready to give in and move in. Before you take the plunge though, you should stand back a moment; this is a big commitment and there are a lot of things that could stand between you and the happiness you seek in your future home. There is also a good chance you can get a better price.

Why not put your broker to work and ask some key questions? They will help you determine whether or not the home you’re about to buy is actually a good deal. These are tough questions that could save you a bundle:

Why are the owners selling?
The broker doesn’t have to tell you (they’re getting divorced, they’re moving to Dallas, etc.), but when you uncover the reason they’re selling, it tips their cards and is the best indicator of how anxious the seller might be. This in turn lets you know how willing they might be to negotiate.

How long has the house been on the market? Can you give me its pricing history?
A house that’s been on the market for two months with three price reductions gives a whole different message than a house that’s been on for two months with no price reductions. The owner of the first house is far more negotiable. Read the rest of this entry »

Selling a home while you’re living in it can be trying during any market. Today’s sellers are generally looking at a longer marketing time than was the case a few months/years ago. Appropriate pricing for this changing market can make it easier. So can taking a few precautions:

The houses that look the best are the ones that get serious attention from buyers. Preparing a house for sale is more important than ever! Keeping it in pristine condition can be a challenge for sellers with small children and pets.

One benefit of decluttering your home before you try to sell it is that you’ll have less to clean up before a showing. Some sellers find it helpful to keep everyday essentials like toothbrushes and children’s favorite toys in plastic tubs. These can be hidden in a closet, under a sink or under a bed and brought out when the public is not around. Before showings the tubs can be quickly filled and stashed away.

Your house should look its best when a prospective buyer comes through, so set up a showing procedure that asks buyers to give a courtesy call before showing.

HOUSE HUNTING TIP: Don’t be restrictive with showings. It’s difficult to sell a house that cannot be shown. You need to strike a balance between accommodating buyers and being inconvenienced. If a buyer wants to come on short notice, try to keep in mind that some of the best buyers are relocating from elsewhere and may not have much flexibility in their schedule. Don’t be rigid and miss one of the best opportunities to sell your home.

Helen Lynch
Senior Vice President, Managing Broker - Sandy Springs office

Source: AJC Homefinder.com

Atlantans travel 131.7 million miles every day. (Source: 2005 Air Quality Report, Georgia Regional Transportation Authority)

The average one-way commute in Atlanta is 19.7 miles, and the average one-way travel time is 35.9 minutes. (Source: Atlanta regional commuter survey, 2007, conducted by the Center for Transportation and the Environment on behalf of the Georgia Department of Transportation)

You probably don’t need Homefinder to tell you that traffic is tough in Atlanta, and commuting times are getting longer.

“Over the past 10 years, daily traffic on Georgia’s urban roadways has increased by 51 percent, and as one of the fastest growing metro areas in the country, Atlanta traffic is likely to keep getting worse,” says Tracy Paden of the Clean Air Campaign.

“Research shows that 16 percent of Atlanta commuters moved residences or changes jobs within the past year. Of those, 42 percent said the ease of their commute was more important than other factors in their decision to move or change jobs; 34 percent said it was of equal importance,” says Paden.

Advice from a Realtor

Craig and Barbara Christie of Jenny Pruitt & Associates sell a lot of homes near MARTA and bus lines to commute-conscious buyers. “We find a lot of people have heard about the traffic issue in Atlanta, but they didn’t realize the magnitude of it. They buy a home and then get discouraged in their quality of life, and they want to make a change,” says Craig.

The Christies are often in the positionof advising their clients on things to consider when buying for a better commute. Craig says, “What we’re looking for is a win-win, where they get a better quality of life and a home that meets their needs. A lot of it is like any home buying purchase, but here are several things to consider when buying with commuting in mind.”

• Does this home fit my lifestyle? Price is an issue, so if you’re moving closer to downtown, you may not find a large lot on a cul-de-sac in your price range. If the commute is right, do the house and the neighborhood have enough of what you’re looking for? Do you feel comfortable there?
• Will the commute allow me to spend more thing with my family? This has a huge impact on quality of life. Being home in time for dinner or to participate in school activities can make a big difference. Are there churches, synagogues or mosques nearby.
• Reducing your commute can substantially reduce your auto insurancerate, as well as cut gasoline and maintenance costs. Will this offset any additional costs in home expenses? Can your family now keep only one car instead of two? Saving this much money can even help you secure a 15-year mortgage instead of a 30-year mortgage, accelerating the equity in your home. Some mortgage lenders say they’re more likely to approve a larger mortgage for a person with one car, instead of two or three.

Source: USA Today. April 24, 2008

Real estate agents are increasingly courting foreigners to buy homes in the USA - hiring agents fluent in other languages, marketing to foreign buyers and in some cases, offering to pay the airfare and hotel bills of foreign shoppers who buy a home.

The agents are eager to win the business of foreign investors who are swooping in to buy property in the USA as home prices plummet and the dollar’s weak value produces eye-popping deals for international buyers.

Because of the sinking value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies, a home bought by a foreigner comes with a discount averaging 30%, the National Association of Realtors estimates. Between April 2006 and April 2007, about 30% of foreign buyers came from Europe, according to an NAR survey.

Nearly one-third of Realtors reported in that survery having had business with foreign buyers. Activity is especially busy in affluent cities such as New York and in warm-weather vacation destinations such as Miami and San Diego. Many of these investors, Realtors say, are buying homes as vacation retreats.

“With these prices, you can’t say no,” says Monique Burger of Belgium, who’s buying a Miami Beach vacation condo for $270,000. “With the low dollar against the euro, it helps. And the low housing prices made us want to buy.”

Agent are seizing the opportunity:

• In New York, real estate agent Jacky Teplitzky’s firm has staff lawyers who specialize in foreign buyers. Sales to foreigners jumped from 10% of her business to nearly 25% in the past year or so.

Teplitzky says she’s seeing a surge in interest, especially from Britain, Italy, Spain and Russia. In April, an Italian buyer in town for Easter took just 48 hours to buy a $3.8 million two-bedroom condo. Teplitzky recently sold $30 million worth of property to Russians who are using the homes as pieds-a-terre.

“We’re a bargain right now for foreign buyers,” she says. “A lot of them looked two or three years ago and found themselves in too crazy a market.”

• Jenny Pruitt & Associates, Atlanta-based Realtors, is wooing foreign clients by maintaining agents who speak such languages as Dutch, Korean, Farsi and Arabic. A search function on its website can help locate a foreign-language-speaking agent. Recently, the agency sold a $2.2 million listing to a British couple who were amazed at the value for the price. The couple had upgraded from a 2,000-square-foot flat in London to a 9,000-square-foot home in Atlanta.

Source: Southern Living April 2008

Think your landscaping is hopeless? Think again. We overhauled this lackluster lawn and got big results in just four months. Follow these steps, and see the difference.

It all starts with standing at your curb and making an honest evaluation. Before the first shrub is planted, take a good look at your home. Follow these no-fail tips for updating your outdoor look.

1.  Start with a simple, smooth bed line. No wimpy curves allowed. When in doubt, swing it out. You won’t regret the extra room when plants start to grow in. This bed line should start on one side of the yard and move your eye across to the other. Space plants within the bed so that they echo this curve. Why you’ll be glad you did: Good bed lines can camouflage design flaws and waning plants. They also make it easier to mow the grass.
2. Don’t clog corners. Give them breathing room. Too often we overplant the ends of our homes with a pyramid of plants that grow beyond their bounds. Instead, work in layers. Beneath a single crepe myrtle, we planted seven ‘Olivia’ Indian hawthorns that will max out around 4 feet tall. Ground-hugging ‘Purple Pixie’ loropetalums and ‘Happy Returns’ daylilies front and flank this pairing. Why you’ll be glad you did: You’ll save money now and spend less time pruning later.
3. Mass plants for impact. Keep your plant and color palette to a minimum. Satisfy your desire for saturated hues with groupings of ‘Serena Purple’ angelonias, ‘Landmark Gold’ lantanas, ‘Double Knock Out’ roses, and chartreuse sun coleus. Why you’ll be glad you did: Clustering your plants creates a big effect. A garden of singletons doesn’t look like much. Later, you’ll wonder where your money went.
4. Surround sitting areas with plants. Sure, you want to be friendly with the neighbors, but who really wants to relax on the lone bench that sits beneath the tree? By using plants, you can still survey your domain without feeling as if you’re on display. Set back 10 feet from the walk and staged on an 8-foot-diameter flagstone landing, our Adirondack chairs are nestled in a sea of hostas relocation from the backyard and a collection of Halo Series hydrangeas. Why you’ll be glad you did: You’ll actually use the space.
5. Place details where they can be appreciated.Why waste money? Plants with interesting attributes should be used where they’ll be noticed. ‘Chocolate Chip’ ajuga is a winner when paired with autumn fern. Around mailboxes, at the ends of walks, and along driveways are other natural choices. Why you’ll be glad you did: This combo is a favorite!