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