I was just looking at some statistics in the Atlanta area when I logged into our Realist tax service, and noticed that in Cobb county homes sales (Marietta homes for sale) declined over 46% in January 2008 over sales in January 2007. The median price in January 2008 is $212,300, while in January 2007 it was $197,950 a 7% increase. While some inexperienced agents may boast the prices are rising the reality is much scarier that home sales are in free fall. What the median sales price (Which is not a real home ) does not tell you is that sellers are paying closing costs and making major concessions in price, sellers contributions to closing costs and yes agent compensation! In Atlanta the other day I received a email circular for a builder. His standard commission is now 10% as long as the offer does not come in 10% less. And oh yes, he is also paying closing costs!
So if an agent is getting on the band wagon telling you how great the prices are, have them substantiate their statement with facts on paper! Most agents do not know how to interpret market numbers, nor do they give you a timeline comparison!
| Single Family Residence | ||
| Time Period | Number of Sales | Median Sale Price |
| Jan 2008 | 441 | $212,300 |
| Jan 2007 | 822 | $197,950 |
RE/MAX Paramount Properties 678-595-5286 Direct
Or 888-940-0074 Toll Free Office
Atlanta Real Estate & Atlanta Homes for Sale 
Melina Tomson, M.S. Salem Oregon Real Estate Specialist The median number does not tell you that the home was dropped 100K in price in spite of the home having 125K in options! So I agree fully with you, in Atlanta they just added OLP or Original List Price..., but what if it was listed before wiht other agents, what about the expireds, the withdrawns? There are properties that I personally know of in Atlanta that are advertised as "New" and they are several years old! Numbers can tall you whatever you want them to tell you!