Early 2025 is anticipated to bring more competition among buyers as market activity accelerates in the Atlanta area. This will likely lead to faster transactions and fewer opportunities for negotiation compared to the slower pace observed in late 2024.
The indications are that it may be an opportune time to jump into the real estate market if you’re looking for a home in metro Atlanta. According to Zillow, the city has one of the nation’s best real estate market.
Atlanta came in at number No. 7 out of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas, according to Zillow’s latest figures.
Atlanta Real Estate Market: Expect Some Heat
Home prices in Atlanta are forecasted to grow modestly. Buyers should keep an eye on mortgage rate trends, as higher rates could affect affordability, making it essential to act strategically, around 1.5% by mid-2025, reflecting a balanced market with steady appreciation.
With increased market activity and growing buyer demand, sellers can expect quicker sales in 2025. However, setting competitive prices will remain crucial as not all homes may see significant appreciation.
Here are the hottest markets forecast for 2025:
10 Hottest Housing Markets
| Metro | Median rent (0-2 bedrooms) | YOY (0-2 bedrooms) |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA | $1,583 | -3.4 % |
| Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX | $1,495 | -4.2 % |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $1,827 | 0.1 % |
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $1,253 | -2.3 % |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $2,944 | -1.7 % |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | NA | NA |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $1,520 | -3.8 % |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $1,780 | -4.1 % |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $1,397 | 4.2 % |
| Cleveland-Elyria, OH | $1,222 | 0.0 % |
| Columbus, OH | $1,210 | 1.1 % |
Why Is Atlanta’s Housing Market So Hot?
Atlanta’s housing market is bustling because the metro area continues to benefit from unique factors that make it one of the most attractive cities in the Southeast.
Job growth: Atlanta has a diverse economy that continually finds new ways to grow. In 2022, you can expect the tech sector to maintain if not exceed its growth while companies continue to choose the metro stores to bedrock their home offices and headquarters.
Looking for employment? Here’s how to get hired in Atlanta.
Population growth: Despite its fullness, the city continues to attract a crowd as job seekers and empty nesters flow into the suburbs around Atlanta.
The reason people from the West Coast and Northeast continue to find Atlanta attractive is because of the amount of house they can get for the price.
Housing affordability: Even in a pandemic, Atlanta continues to be an attractive market for families looking for relatively cheap property as well as those interested in investing in rental property in 2022.
That is especially the case when 50% of the households in the metro area rent rather than own
How To Find A Home In Atlanta
The way to go about finding a home in Atlanta is to begin your search by following three steps:
Get Your Credit Score Up
Before you’re ready to buy a home, you’re going to need to get your credit score into shape. Anything under 600 will put you in a high-interest category. The way to avoid this is to take the steps months ahead to raise your credit score. You can even boost your credit score by paying your bills.
Read up on some ways to increase your credit score.
Get Pre-Approved For A Mortgage
Once you’re pre-approved for a mortgage, your lender and any Realtor you decide to work with will take you more seriously and devote the much-needed time and energy your home search requires.
Here’s how to get pre-approved in Atlanta.
Work With A Realtor
Once you’re pre-approved for a mortgage, it’s time to find a Realtor. Do yourself a favor and ask those closest to you if they have any friends you have used Realtors. Referrals go a long way in the real estate industry.
Make your decision based on someone who really knows the area you want to buy in. When you talk with them, have a conversation in which you ask the questions that will let you know how knowledgeable the Realtor is.
Some questions you might ask include:
- How long have you lived in the city?
- If you could afford to live anywhere here, what neighborhood would you choose?
- What is the most important aspect of a property in your opinion?
- What are the best schools in the city in your opinion (if you have kids)?
Some of the larger realty names you should consider are:
- Keller Williams
- Harry Norman
- REMax
- Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
- Coldwell Banker
- SWG Realty
- Boardwalk Realty
- Palmer House Properties
Read our guide on the best real estate companies in Atlanta.
Final Word
Finding your dream home may seem intimidating at first, but by putting in the time, it can happen for you. The pent-up demand that has been gaining steam last year is poised to emerge this year, so it’s important that you act fast if you’re in the market to buy a home in Atlanta.
The best way to do that is to start off with learning your budget. So here’s a question for you: How Much Home Can You Afford? (Calculator)
See The Latest Atlanta Real Estate News At AtlantaFi.com.
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