✨ Big news from the Rob Smith Team! ✨ 

We’re excited to share that Paula is stepping out as an independent agent! After three incredible years with the team, Paula will continue her journey with Keller Williams Realty, now as her own independent powerhouse. 💪 

Though we’re no longer on the same team, we’ll still be right here in the same office and supporting each other in the same community.

Paula, it’s been an honor working together—we’ve loved every minute! Here’s to many more collaborations and cheers to new beginnings. 🥂 

Couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead for you! 🎉

Is Now a Good Time to List Your Home? Let’s Break It Down!

With the looming election, many sellers are hesitant to list, and buyers are holding off on making offers. But here’s the thing—there are two great options to consider:

1. List After the Election: No matter which way the election goes, there will be a lot more certainty by the morning of November 6th, giving buyers more confidence to move forward. You still have three solid weeks left this year to market your home before the holiday distractions. If we get your property on the market by Thursday, Nov. 7th, we can host open houses that weekend and generate interest before Thanksgiving! 

2. Spring Starts January 1st in ATL! 🎉 Buyers are eager to start fresh in the new year, and with many listings expiring on Dec. 31st, it’s a great opportunity to stand out. Get your property ready, and by New Year’s Day, buyers will be lining up to see it!

I once had to bail a seller out of jail just two days before his closing! He was an old client of mine, a builder who lived an hour south of town. Imagine pulling up to his house, only to find him getting arrested with FIVE cops in the yard! And it didn’t stop there—he asked me to grab his BMW and a safe full of cash from his house while he was behind bars. We got it done, bailed him out the next day, and STILL made it to closing that afternoon! Just another wild day in real estate.

Your Real Estate Agent Does More Than Just Close the Deal! Beyond buying or selling your home, we’re here for everything that comes after. From connecting you with trusted local lenders to refinancing or accessing home equity, we’ve got your back. Big banks? They’re more about loan servicing, but local lenders? They care about YOU! We also have a network of contractors, vendors, and suppliers—over 250 trusted contacts on our website, ready to help you with your projects. Thinking about resale value or a renovation? Let us walk through with you to ensure you spend in the right places.

You may have seen the headlines: the Federal Reserve recently cut interest rates again, raising questions for buyers, sellers, and homeowners. But how does this decision really affect the real estate market?

With interest rates dipping, the homestead exemption deadline approaching, and the 2024 election year poised to shake things up, the stars are aligning for homebuyers in Atlanta. 📉 You can lock in lower rates, secure your tax savings, and get ahead of potential price increases after the election. 🏠 Don’t miss out on these opportunities—move fast and take advantage of the market conditions before they shift! 💪

Over the past few years, the Atlanta housing market has changed drastically. Between rising home prices and increasing interest rates, many residents are feeling the financial strain. From 2021 to 2024, the median home price has jumped from $295k to $380k, with mortgage payments now costing over $1,000 more per month than before. 📈

While solutions like the $25k homebuyer credit are being proposed, they could inadvertently make homes less affordable by increasing demand without increasing supply. Instead, building more homes—and linking the credit to that increase—could help restore affordability and balance

What started as a chance meeting at the Grant Park tour of homes turned into an incredible partnership. Rob met Paula when she was assigned to his house on the tour and connected over conversations about life, the community, and real estate. Paula, considering a career switch, sought Rob’s advice—and his encouragement led her to dive into real estate, where she quickly became Rookie of the Year. When Rob needed help managing his growing business, Paula was the natural fit. Their shared passion for the industry and dedication to clients has made them a dynamic team.

Following My Passion I’ve always had real estate in the back of my mind, even while studying interior design at UGA and working in design firms. When I bought my first house, I remember thinking, "I wish I did what my real estate agent does." After some soul-searching and a few lunches with industry pros like Rob, I finally took the plunge—got my license, and never looked back. Big thanks to Mark Jones at KW Intown for believing in me and providing the training that’s been key to my success. Joining the Rob Smith team as a buyer's agent felt like it was meant to be!

How I Accidentally Became a Real Estate Agent In 2001, my former partner and I were buying our first house, and our agent showed us 30 homes in one day—talk about efficiency! Fast forward a few years and a few different agents later, I decided to get my real estate license just to understand the rules and ethics of the game. I never intended to become an agent, but when I realized how much more I was making per hour as an agent compared to an investor-owner, I thought, why not? I aimed to sell just 4 houses that year. Guess how many I actually sold? 44! Sometimes, life takes you in unexpected directions, and it turns out, this was exactly where I was meant to be.

The U.S. is facing a massive shortfall in new construction homes—millions short of what’s needed for a balanced market. Builders are struggling with high interest rates and limited loans, making it tough to keep up with demand. Unlike before the Great Recession when overbuilding was common, today’s restrictions are keeping supply low, driving prices up. If builders could operate at even 75% of their past capacity, much of the supply issue would be eased, helping to stabilize prices.

📢Real Estate Update: What You Need to Know📢

There’s a lot of chatter about the changes coming on August 17th, 2024, but don't worry—it's not as drastic as it sounds. Starting Saturday, listing agents won’t disclose what the seller is paying the buyer’s agent in the MLS. Plus, agents will need you to sign a written agreement before showing you a property they don't personally represent. While it might seem like a big deal, it's mostly affecting us as licensed professionals. Buyers and sellers in Georgia shouldn’t see much impact, and sellers can still choose to cover the buyer's agent compensation, making it easier and more affordable for buyers to close the deal.

📉 Interest Rate Alert! 📉 The Fed is likely to cut interest rates soon, which means mortgage rates are starting to drop. They've been creeping down from over 7% and are expected to hit around 6.5%. This is huge news for buyers! 🏡✨ If you've been waiting on the sidelines, now's the time to act. Lower rates mean more affordability and more competition. Get ready for potential price increases and multiple offers on well-priced homes. Stay tuned for more updates! #RealEstate #InterestRates #HomeBuying #MortgageRates #FedUpdate #MarketTrends #RealEstateTips #HousingMarket #BuyersMarket

🎨 Pro Tip for Selling Your Home 🎨 Want to know why your agent insists on painting the interior one consistent color? It makes a HUGE difference! Buyers can easily recall a home when it’s uniform inside. Imagine seeing 8-9 houses in a day—consistent colors help yours stand out in their memory. Plus, homes with fewer projects, like painting, sell faster and for more money. Make your home move-in ready and watch it fly off the market! 🏡✨ #RealEstateTips #HomeSelling #InteriorDesign #RealEstateAdvice #HouseSelling #HomeStaging #AtlantaRealEstate #PaintItNeutral #MarketReady

🏡 The Power of Staging 🛋️ If you don't have staging in your house, you don't have a lobby to close the deal! Imagine walking into a beautifully staged model apartment—it’s like signing on a dream. Buyers need that same experience when they tour your home. Staging creates an inviting atmosphere that helps buyers envision themselves living there. It’s not just about imagination; it’s about painting the picture for them. So, when you’re selling, make sure your home is staged to the nines!

🏡📉 Have you noticed the surge in houses hitting the market in Atlanta? We have more listings now than we've seen in the past 13 years! Discover how pricing your property inspirationally can make all the difference. Learn why inventory is stacking up and where you should position your property for the best results.

🏡 What Does a Buyer's Agent Do? 🏡 Ever wondered why you need a buyer's agent? It's more than just finding homes on Zillow. A strong buyer's agent has connections to find properties before they hit the market and guides you through the entire due diligence process. They help navigate inspections, negotiate repairs, and ensure you get the best deal. Recently, we helped a client in Decatur with major issues like electrical, HVAC, and sewer problems by getting expert quotes to negotiate effectively. Don't go it alone—get a pro on your side!

Investing in Atlanta Real Estate: A Smart Move! 🏡💰 Real estate builds wealth like no other investment, and Atlanta offers fantastic opportunities. Unlike pricey New York and LA, Atlanta remains affordable for first-time buyers and investors.

Hear from clients who’ve seen significant equity gains. One investor flew in from LA to renovate and rent properties, while another has already bought two homes this year, steadily growing her portfolio. One young woman gained over $100k in equity within a few years. Invest now and watch your wealth grow!

In Atlanta, a significant shift in pricing strategies is influencing whether properties get sold or remain unsold. Discover how to navigate this evolving market and achieve your real estate goals with our dedicated support. Read more…

🏠🔧 This house had more issues than my first three cars combined! In this video, I share the story of a tough listing and how we turned it around. From a failed VA loan attempt to a successful conventional financing offer, learn how educating buyers can turn impossible situations into wins. If you're a seller facing a tricky offer, this is a must-watch! 📈💼