Hispanic Heritage Month in Atlanta

I am part Puerto Rican. So of course, I celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month every year... actually, I guess I celebrate all year long. I am a musician. And I play latin percussion professionally with my latin jazz band, Rio Negro, and salsa y merengue con Orquesta Macuba every weekend at Loca Luna. However, this month is a good time to reflect, remember and learn from our past as we look forward to the future. Here are some things that I am doing to celebrate:

The other night, my wife and I watched a great documentary on the history of Latin music on GPB.

Atlantic Station is hosting a "Latin Taste of Atlanta" this Saturday.

Traditional dishes from Colombia, Cuba, Brazil, Mexico and Peru, plus new
culinary Latin creations will spice up Atlantic Station on October
17th, with DeGustar, a Latin taste of Atlanta event by the Georgia
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC).

At least 25 restaurants, caterers and markets are expected to
participate. Among them are Coco Loco, Brazilian Bakery Cafe, Frontera, Fuego
Mundo, Lucianos, Lime Taqueria, Machu Pichu, Pampas, Palomillas, Rosa Mexicano,
Sal Grosso Brazilian Steak House, and Tia Maria Bakery.

This one day event will take place in the Central Park Area of
Atlantic Station from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 pm.

Currently on display at the Atlanta History Center until January, 2010

The Atlanta-based newspaper, MundoHispanico, has served as the voice of Georgia’s Spanish-speaking community, witnessing and recording its growth and
its contributions in Georgia, including those of leaders in business, politics, and the arts.

Opening during our nation’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, the Atlanta History Center presents the exhibition, Through the Lens of MundoHispanico: Georgia’s Hispanic Community. Presented in both English and Spanish, this new exhibition celebrates the 30th anniversary of MundoHispanico and its important role as a news outlet, while revealing stories and images from
the newspaper’s archives that explore the growth, diversity, success, and growing influence of Georgia’s Hispanic community.

So if you're interested in dancing this weekend, check out Loca Luna on Saturday night... if your spanish is a little rusty, check out the informal spanish lessons at Starbucks offered by the Latin American Association... if you're a history buff, check out the music documentary on PBS/GPB or visit the Atlanta History Center... if you love latin food, meet me and my family this Saturday at Atlantic Station. Hope to see you there!

Promo Code for Rio Negro Fans! 6th Annual Harvest Midtown - October 4th

Enter the promo code “RioNegro” for $10 off tickets
online at www.harvestmidtown.com until midnight Saturday!!

Hey Rio Negro Fans! We talked to the festival producers on YOUR behalf because WE know you really want to hear us play this weekend! Come out and join the fun at Harvest Midtown this Sunday, October 4th.


www.rionegromusic.com

Atlanta Flood - How YOU can help

I live in Austell, GA. My family and I are okay. We live on a hill and didn't experience any flood damage. However, many in our community have experienced the Great Flood of 2009 in the worst way... they've lost everything. They, our friends, our community need YOUR HELP! Please visit www.HopeATL.com to find out how YOU can make a difference.

We need volunteers to help sort through the donations. We need volunteers who can help folks clean out their homes and try to salvage what they can from the soggy mess. And most importantly, we will need your help in the coming weeks as the clean up and rebuilding of lives continues. So if you're not able to help today, that's okay... this isn't going to get completely fixed over night.

Thanks!
Broderick

Georgia Aquarium's Fourth Annual Aqua Vino - Sip, Savor & Sea

Georgia Aquarium's Fourth Annual Aqua Vino - Sip, Savor & Sea

Oct. 29, 2009; VIP Tasting: 6-7 p.m., Grand Tasting 7-10 p.m.
Georgia Aquarium and Oceans Ballroom
Aqua Vino provides guests an open door to Sip, Savor and Sea the wonders of the ocean, against the beautiful backdrop of the Oceans Ballroom and the Aquarium’s five galleries. Exclusively for one night, enjoy the sounds of Rio Negro (Atlanta's premier latin jazz band), more than 200 fine wines from around the globe, gourmet fare from Atlanta’s best restaurants and two amazing auctions. All proceeds from Aqua Vino support the Aquarium’s Veterinary Services through the Correll Center for Aquatic Animal Health. Purchase tickets now and take advantage of Early Bird special pricing! Learn more.

6th Annual Harvest Midtown - October 4th

For the last few years, my latin jazz band, Rio Negro, plays at the Harvest Midtown Festival. We bring our wives, girlfriends, friends and family to enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting, great music and delicious samples of Midtown Atlanta's best restaurants. I hope you'll consider joining us this year.

Sunday, October 4th - 1pm - 5pm @ The Georgia Terrace

If you don't drink wine, they also have beer tasting and even water tasting! A few years ago, when my wife and I were expecting our daughter, she really enjoyed trying a wide variety of bottled waters and decided that Panna brand water tasted the best. Visit www.harvestmidtown.com for tickets.

Cobb County Restaurant Week

Do you have a birthday, anniversary, special occasion coming up?

September 19 - 26th - Enjoy lunch or dinner at a restaurant you haven't tried yet at the very first Cobb County Restaurant week. Details and a list of participating restaurants can be found here.

Saving Your Home from Foreclosure Part 2

A couple of weeks ago, I published a post on how to save your home from foreclosure. I had three steps but really, we only covered steps 1 and 2 in the earlier post.

1. Do your homework: make sure you have all of your loan documentation and understand the terminology
2. Call your lender: there are a number of programs, including Making Home Affordable, that your lender may have available to help you

Number 3: If all else fails, you may have to sell your home

Selling your home in a good market used to take about 90 days. Today the market reflects a trend of 6 - 12 months... But what if you can't afford your home anymore? What options do you have available to you to avoid foreclosure? One option is a short-sale.

Unfortunately, steps # 1 and # 2 may work to prove that you really can't afford your home anymore. In part 2 of this post, we will explore "short sales." A short sale is basically when you work with a realtor to sell your home for what you owe on the mortgage. The bank has to approve the sale. It's up to the bank whether or not they will allow you to sell your home for less than what is owed on the mortgage. This still will negatively impact your credit but not nearly as bad as a foreclosure. How your credit is affected depends primarily on how / if the mortgage lender reports the sale of your home and thus the repayment of the loan (mortgage).

There are a lot of variables when it comes to making the decision to sell your home. It's best to seek expert advice. Here are a few resources to become more familiar with the concept and the process of a short sale:


Video from CNN Money

Video from CBS News

About.com article on Short Sales

List of articles on Short Sales and understanding Foreclosures available on About.com

What Happens in a Short Sale When You Have Two Loans?


As a real estate agent, I've worked with a few clients who've successfully sold their home via the short sale process. If you think this option is a solution for you, contact me and let's talk about it.

Saving Your Home From Foreclosure - Part 1

(Disclaimer: First, please keep in mind that I am NOT a personal finance expert and the information that follows is based on information readily available elsewhere on the internet.)


Number 1: Do your homework

Gather together all of your mortgage loan documentation. When did you last pay the bill? Where did you send it? What date did the check clear your bank? How much did you pay? Have you called them recently? Did you take notes on the call? If so, who did you speak to? Did you make any promises? Gather together all of your loan information so that you will have it handy... don't forget to make sure you have the account number. And if you have a second mortgage, make sure you have that information, too.

Research a few websites to learn the terminology and what options may be available to you from special assistance programs. Here are a few websites that I recommend:

http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/- This is the new government run resource for home owners.
Visit your mortgage lender's website (it should be listed on the last bill you received) they may have a special assistance program

Read the post ... and the notes... on Clark Howard's website about the loan modification program

Be very wary of the scam artists out there who promise to help you with your mortgage. You should NEVER have to pay anything to get help. Except maybe an application fee directly to YOUR mortgage company for a loan modification.

A national list of foreclosure assistance programs can be found on the National Association of Realtors website http://www.realtor.org/home_buyers_and_sellers/foreclosure_assistance_programs_by_state
The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development - http://www.hud.gov/foreclosure/

Get to know the terminology with online mortgage glossaries like this one.


Number 2: Pick up the phone and call your lender.


Remember, everything you tell them can potentially be used to help them collect. So don't offer your life story to the first person who answers. That person is a customer service representative in the collections department. There's not a lot they can do for you. You want to speak to their supervisor or someone in "Loss Mitigation." Loss Mitigation is a department that most mortgage lenders have where the loan specialists are well versed in all of the programs and options the lender has available to work with you in bringing your loan current.

Typically, options your mortgage lender may have available include:
(see glossary for definitions)

1. Special Forebearance Plan - this is typically for a temporary financial set back


2. Repayment Plan - you agree to pay the past due amount spread out over a set period of time


3. Partial Claim - if you have an FHA loan, HUD may be able to help bring your account current


4. Loan Modification - if the investors backing your loan will allow it, the mortgage lender can modify the terms of your loan to keep you out of foreclosure

Take your time when you speak to the loan specialist so that they can type all of your information correctly into their database system. These "notes" that they're taking will be important as this process moves forward because the lender will refer to them in making decisions and whenever you call with questions. Think about what you're saying so that your story is consistent each and every time you call. I'm not saying you're not telling the truth but the lender is hearing a sob story from everyone these days. Make sure that your reason(s) for falling behind on your loan don't change from week to week.

The loan specialist in loss mitigation is going to ask you lots of questions about your current financial status. You will need to be prepared and have access to a fax machine. You may need to provide

• your income tax returns for one or two years
• copies of pay stubs (payroll)
• a list of all of your monthly expenses

All of this will help them to determine which of their options may best fit your situation so that you can avoid foreclosure.

Number 3: If all else fails, you may have to sell your home

Selling your home in a good market used to take about 90 days. Today the market reflects a trend of 6 - 12 months... But what if you can't afford your home anymore? What options do you have available to you to avoid foreclosure? One option is a short-sale.

Unfortunately, steps # 1 and # 2 may work to prove that you really can't afford your home anymore. In part 2 of this post, we will explore "short sales." A short sale is basically when you work with a realtor to sell your home for what you owe on the mortgage. The bank has to approve the sale. It's up to the bank whether or not they will allow you to sell your home for less than what is owed on the mortgage. This still will negatively impact your credit but not nearly as bad as a foreclosure.

I hope to have part 2 of "Saving Your Home From Foreclosure" published in the next few days. In the meantime, if you have questions, please feel free to email me or leave a comment.

Want a hot deal on a house? Georgia’s second-largest bank is in the mood to make one

Everyday, we hear a lot about how awful the housing market is... and every day someone unfortunately, loses their home to foreclosure. In another post, I'll write about what you can do to save your home if you're at risk (Check out a recent tweet: @brodysantiago Do you know someone who's behind on their mortgage? There is help - just ask for a "loan modification" http://ow.ly/j15O) but today, let's talk for a moment about a great opportunity to invest your real estate dollars in Real Estate Owned properties or REOs as they're known in the industry. These are properties owned by the bank that have been foreclosed upon. In metro Atlanta, this list continues to grow but in contrast to places like California or Nevada or the Florida condo market, we're not the land of foreclosures. There are many opportunities for the right investor here in metro Atlanta and I'm happy to assist.

Banks are pricing homes to move.

A recent AJC.com article reports:

Columbus-based Synovus is in the midst of a massive purge of
distressed property, mostly foreclosed homes and vacant lots.
Through auctions run by contractors, the banking company has sold thousands of
properties over the past four months as it works to cleanse a balance sheet
hammered by bad real estate bets, many in the troubled metro Atlanta
market. The sell-off continues this week and next as the bank plans to
auction off about 150 distressed properties through a combination of online and
live auctions. Properties on the block include homes from Carrollton to Canton
and vacant lots from Newnan to Austell.

Minimum bids at one auction hosted by Williams & Williams range from $10,000 for a 2-bedroom, 2-bath home in Cartersville to $50,000 for a 5-bedroom, 3-bath house in Woodstock.

Many banks are selling repossesed homes, but the numbers for Synovus are
eye-popping.
Keep reading...

Georgia is not feeling the greatest impact of the foreclosure crisis but I'm sure if you ask anyone who is living in a 1/2 empty condo building in Buckhead or a subdivision with overgrown lawns and vacant homes, they'd tell a different story. So if you're an investor or would like to evaluate if real estate investing is for you, let me know. There are some great deals in our market but the really good ones are going quick.

Summer Fun with the Kids

Summer is not really over for another six weeks and the "traditional" end of summer is still a month away too... but here in Georgia, summer is over as of Monday, August 10th when my kids return to school. We still have weekends of course and there are plenty of things to still do this week and have fun.

Things to do this week:

• Children's Park & Playground @ Centennial Olympic Park
• Zoo Atlanta - Beat the heat and get their early
• Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Chattahoochee Nature Center
  

August 22nd check out Centennial Park for "Games & Gadgets" with your kids

Get off the Fence!

The Georgia Association of Realtors is encouraging folks take advantage of the home buying opportunities and tax breaks that are currently available.

Get off the fence – you’ll be glad you did! Already own a home? REALTORS® are your best resource to explore your options if you’re thinking about selling or refinancing.

The new site offers information on the following:

• The Georgia $1,800 tax credit
• The Federal $8,000 tax credit
• Home builders are offering lots of incentives to buyers

If you're on the fence about investing in your next home or your very first home, let's talk about it...

Memorial Day Weekend in Hotlanta!

Atlanta will certainly earn its' title as the most happening city in the south this weekend with an event menu that's sure to satisfy the pallete of just about anyone. There's the Atlanta Jazz Festival with a line up that includes Dionne Farris, Russell Gunn, and the incredibly talented Vinx. There's the Smooth Jazz Lounge at Hotel Intercontinental with Nick Colionne and Warren Hill that goes down this Saturday or if you're in the mood for some Salsa you can definitely check out the mighty Orquesta Macuba on Saturday at Loca Luna. For all of my Caribbean bredren don't miss the Atlanta Carnival Caribbean Festival this weekend. If you're looking for some family fun with art and entertainment, then the Decatur Arts Festival is the place to be. All of this and so much more in the city we call Hotlanta!!!!!

Orquesta Macuba @ Loca Luna

Hey check out this video from last Saturday. Look forward to seeing you this Saturday. FREE admission, free valet parking, great tapas, and of course muy caliente music.

Georgia Now Ranked #7 in Foreclosures?

Things continue to heat up in Georgia in the foreclosure market. Investors, first time home buyers, and anyone that can qualify for a loan, this is a great time to buy. Learn more about current foreclosure trends in today's AJC.

National Black Arts Festival ... 87 Days and counting!

I am anxiously awaiting this year's National Black Arts Festival.

When? July 29 - August 2

Where? Woodruff Arts Center

What?

The National Black Arts Festival (NBAF), a non-profit cultural institution based in Atlanta, Georgia, celebrates the contributions of people of African descent and their impact on world cultures.

The mission of NBAF is to engage, cultivate and educate diverse audiences about the arts and culture of the African Diaspora and provide opportunities for artistic and creative expression.

The National Black Arts Festival celebrates the arts in three ways:

1. Education

2. Year-round programs

3. A summer festival in July

Stay tuned with Facebook, Twitter and MySpace!

Check out this video about the festival! See you there!

Do you want to move to Cobb County, GA?

Do you already live in Cobb County, Georgia? Do you want to own your own home?

from CobbLine Weekly Newsletter...

Home buying opportunities available with new program

The Neighborhood Stabilization Program will provide emergency assistance to state and local governments to acquire and redevelop foreclosed properties that might otherwise become sources of abandonment and blight within their communities. Cobb County will receive approximately $6.9 million from Housing and Urban Development and $1.7 million from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to rehabilitate, resell or redevelop foreclosed residential real estate in the county's areas of greatest need. The goal is to stabilize neighborhoods and stem the decline of home values. Homebuyers may qualify for this program if they meet certain income criteria. For instance, a family of four can have an income of $85,450 and be eligible to participate. For additional information, please contact the program office at 770-528-7980 or visit buycobb.com

You can also contact me for information on living and buying a home in Cobb County - broderick@kellerknapp.com. You'll be surprised at the opportunities available!

Emerging Market Trend - New Condo Auctions

Real estate auctions for brand new, never lived in condos in Atlanta are a very promising opportunity for both investors and home buyers looking for a good deal. In the past couple of weeks there has been a lot of buzz around upcoming condo auctions here in Atlanta. The general idea of a condo auction is to allow a growing list of developers who use auctions to move multiple units in a matter of hours.

But buyers looking for a deal may not need to wait for an auction to find one, he said. Prices of intown condos are often slashed before the builder even thinks about going to auction.

Mark your calendars and let's plan to check out these upcoming auctions together:

Aqua - May 16

Cosmopolitan - May 17

As is typical for auctions of higher-end developments, the Aqua sale will be at the swanky W Hotel. Prospective buyers can sign up at a Web site for advance information. They can also see units on the block during a preview period in the weeks before the auction.

Bids at condo auctions often start one-third below the original listing price. At the Aqua auction, for instance, bidding for a one-bedroom, one-bath unit in the “Azure” floor plan starts at $179,000, vs. the last listing price of $389,900. Bids on a larger “Sapphire” unit start at $299,000, down from $759,900.

Because Atlanta has so many unsold units, the auction action is
drawing enterprising business people.

www.ajc.com

Thinking about buying a new home?

Are falling prices encouraging you to think about buying a home? According to a recent article in the NY Times, the opportunity for finding a great deal on a home can become your reality. There are lots of options on the market today including foreclosures and homes in pre-foreclosure (short sale opportunities) in great neighborhoods. Your realtor (hopefully that's me) can assist you with locating properties that meet your budget and lifestyle objectives.

Here's a few tips on information you'll want to have ready to begin the home-buying process:

- Obtain a copy of your credit report from all three of the major reporting agencies so that you know where you stand. It will make the process go a lot smoother if you are pre-qualified by a mortgage lender before you start looking for a home. You'll have a better idea of your budget so that your realtor will know what price range to research for you.

- Think about and identify your "must haves" vs. your "would like to haves" for your new home. What is most important to you, being close to downtown Atlanta, better schools, large back yard or close to your job?

- Review other industry websites for additional home buying tips to add to the conversation with your realtor


Do you have questions? Are you ready to have a conversation with a realtor about buying a new home? It's a buyers' market out there and it doesn't cost the buyer anything to engage a realtor to act as their home buying advocate. Contact me today @ 678-862-3100 or broderick@KellerKnapp.com

Foreclosure Rescue Scams - Beware!

Lately, there has been a lot of news coverage related to the foreclosure crisis in our country and the scam artists who are taking advantage of good people who are trying to save their homes from foreclosure. The bottom line is do not pay for a rescue service!

Check out this new government webite: Making Homes Affordable to learn more about your options as a home owner.

The Obama Administration has introduced a comprehensive Financial Stability Plan to address the key problems at the heart of the current crisis and get our economy back on track. A critical piece of that effort is Making Home Affordable, a plan to stabilize our housing market and help up to 7 to 9 million Americans reduce their monthly mortgage payments to more affordable levels.

The Home Affordable Refinance Program gives up to 4 to 5 million homeowners with loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac an opportunity to refinance into more affordable monthly payments. The Home Affordable Modification Program commits $75 billion to keep up to 3 to 4 million Americans in their homes by preventing avoidable foreclosures.

Our consumer website, www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov, provides homeowners with detailed information about these programs along with self-assessment tools and calculators to empower borrowers with the resources they need to determine whether they might be eligible for a modification or a refinance under the Administration's program. Through this website, borrowers can also connect with free counseling resources to help with outstanding questions; locate homeowner events in their communities; find a handy checklist of key documents and materials to have ready when making that important call to their servicer as well as FAQs from borrowers in similar circumstances; and much more.

Thinking about buying a new home?

And by "new" I mean "new to you" .... Now's a great time to consider buying a HUD home ... there are a lot of really good deals available in metro Atlanta.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

The HomeSales.gov web site provides current information about single family homes for sale by the U.S. Federal Government. These previously owned homes are for sale by public auction or other method depending on the property. Anyone can buy a home for sale by the U.S. Government, but you must work with a real estate agent, broker or servicing representative to submit an offer or bid.

HUD's website also has several videos on home buying that you can watch

The internet has an overwhelming volume of new home buyer resources... here are a few that I like best:

1. Glossary of Terms - Learn the Lingo
   
2. A Dozen Ways to Get/ Find a Down Payment
3. Home buying Mistakes to Avoid
4. Not ready to buy yet, consider a Lease - Purchase
5. Federal Tax Credit Resources & Information

This video explains the new Federal Tax Credit for First Time Buyers. Let me know if you have questions. Did you know that the law defines a first-time home buyer as a buyer who has not owned a home during the past three years. If you've owned an investment property that was not your principle residence, you may still be eligible.

Looking for something to do after church next Sunday?

This weekend there is the Dogwood Festival .... and if the weather doesn't stop us, my family and I plan to check it out after church. However, the weather channel's 10-day forecast looks much better for next weekend's Taste of Marietta and we're planning to go after church on Sunday.

So if you are looking for something entertaining and fun for the whole family check out Taste of Marietta. We hope to see you there!



What else is going on next weekend? Here's a couple of other options:

1. Smyrna - Spring Jonquil Festival
2. Inman Park Festival & Tour of Homes

It's spring time in the ATL... enjoy all that our metro-area has to offer!

Salsa Saturdays @ Loca Luna

Every Saturday night (starting May 2nd) bring your dancing shoes with you to Loca Luna in Midtown Atlanta!


5/2/2009 9:00 PM at "Orquesta MaCuba Live" @ Loca Luna - 550 Amsterdam

Cost: Free

Come check out the Smooth & Agressive Sounds of "Orquesta MaCuba Live" @ Loca Luna. Bringing you the best in Salsa, Merengue, Son, Cha-Cha, Jazz, Latin Jazz and Afro-Cuban Rhythms every Saturday Night. Don’t miss out on this Live Entertainment!!!! You won’t regret it!!!

Contact me for directions or if you have questions or if you just want to let me know to expect to see you out on the dance floor!

Thursdays Every Week @ Social Vinings

Starting next week ,Days Unchained will be performing live at Social Vinings a new hot spot in ... you guessed it! ... the Vinings.

Join us every Thursday evening for live music, martini's and maki!

The Food
The menu is a combination of small plates, sandwiches, salads, sushi and main entree elections. Heavy emphasis has been placed on Amercian regional cuisine with asian influences. A full sushi bar is a focal point in the main dining room.
The Bar
The bar is the new Vinings hangout with live entertainment five nights a week, a complete bar menu, $5 martinis, an outdoor patio, and a late night bar menu. The bar is made of heavy stained wood and spacious .We will show all major sporting events on 5 plasma televisions. Several cocktail tables and lounge style seating add to the overall hangout feel of the place.
The impressive main dining room features a sushi bar, booths, and a grand ceiling, perfect for family or intimate dining.

Contact me for directions or questions - santiago@iagoentertainment.com

Don't just dream about buying a vacation home!

Have you been thinking about going on vacation?

Have you been thinking about buying a timeshare? or simply a 2nd home? Have you considered going international? My wife and I love to dream and watch "House Hunters: International" on HGTV. Check out this episode set in Costa Rica...

What would it take to make this dream a reality for you? Contact me... we can discuss it. It's not as out-of-reach as you might think.

Pulte to Buy Centex for $1.3 Billion in Survival Bid

All over the news this morning (both tv & twitter) was this story about how Pulte (who is the #4 homebuilder in the U.S.) is buying Centex.

Pulte Homes Inc. agreed to buy Centex Corp. for $1.3 billion in an
all-stock deal that creates the largest U.S. homebuilder by revenue and throws
each of them a lifeline in the worst housing slump since the 1930s.

New Records Management Rules for Mortgage Companies?

How many times has your mortgage company changed since you bought your house or refinanced?

Today Reuters reported that the U.S. Department of Justice is asking... well, the article used the word "urging" ... Congress to require companies to preserve and maintain records for 10 years to make prosecuting fraud easier.

Your thoughts?

I think it's good news for the homeowner if legislation is passed. However, the folks in corporate records & information management might consider it a great challenge for which they are ill prepared.

Interested in Foreclosures?

Recently, some of my investor clients have turned their interests towards foreclosed properties. This type of investment defintely requires the advice of a realtor (remember, the "seller" is who pays our commissions, not the "buyer").

If you're thinking about jumping into the foreclosure market, there are plenty of properties here in the Atlanta metro area and there are also great resources available online to provide you with the knowledge you'll need to be successful.


The nice folks at HUD have a list you can sign up for.





Be careful ... if you don't know what to look for you should definitely take a licensed realtor with you. Heck, take me! I'd love to go... To learn more about why you should use a realtor click here.


Give me a call. Go ahead, don't be shy.

Or... join the conversation... tell us your foreclosure story.

Commercial Real Estate - Next Shoe to Drop?

Thomas Oliver thinks so (see opinion/ article in ajc.com).

Take a Sunday drive. Up Piedmont toward Buckhead. Turn left or right at
Peachtree. Along the way, notice all the new buildings. The offices, condos and
retail shops.

Vacant new buildings.

As someone remarked: The only difference between Atlanta and Detroit is that our empty buildings are new. The next shoe to drop will be the implosion of the commercial real estate market.About $400 billion in commercial mortgages are set to mature this year across the country, the president of the Atlanta Fed told the Miami Chamber of Commerce last week.

In an article also published by the AJC in mid- January, Georgia bankers were already feeling the pain from the commercial front.

Rating agencies and analysts are taking notice. Moody’s Investors Service this week changed its outlook for Synovus, Georgia’s second-biggest bank, from “stable” to “negative,” in part because of commercial real estate fears.

And just a couple of weeks ago... thanks to rising unemployment experts are expecting the worse is yet to come for commercial real estate.

Commercial real estate lags residential real estate by six quarters, so the majority of owner and tenant defaults due to the business downturn are still to come, the panelists said.

What do YOU think? Is this just a lot of gloomy hype?

Add a comment and join the discussion...

Market to rebound by the end of summer?

That's great news if it turns out to be true. The latest industy tarot card reader had this to say recently to AJC.com:

The price spread between existing homes and new homes has reached $122,000, and “that’s the greatest it’s ever been,” Palm said. “I think we’re at a bottom now.”

He said a housing market turnaround should begin in June or July, led by existing homes because prices have plummeted. The new-home recovery will follow, he said.

You can read the rest of the article here.

Leave a comment and join the discussion...