• Here's how to rent a home in Atlanta

    5 Easy Steps To Rent An Apartment In Atlanta

    5 Min Read

    Do you and your landlord have an understanding? That’s what you’ll need if you plan on renting an apartment in Atlanta, Georgia.

    After all, owning a home is just a dream for many people. If you’re interested in renting an apartment or home, you need to know how to do it and keep your shirt on. Otherwise, you could give away some key concessions to your landlord.

    In this article, we’re going to go over how you can rent an apartment in the city. There are some affordable options to choose from.

    Here’s How To Rent An Apartment In Atlanta

    If you want to rent an apartment in Atlanta and don’t know where to start, here are the steps:

    1. Shop Around

    First thing you need to do before you rent an apartment in Atlanta is find one. To do that, you can use a number of online services to help find an apartment in Atlanta:

    If you don’t already know, apartments on the northside, in places like Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell and Alpharetta are more expensive.

    Midtown Atlanta apartments have gone up in price dramatically over the last few years as well.  The most affordable apartments will be a short distance from downtown in either east Atlanta or the westside next to West Midtown.

    Once you make a list of Atlanta apartments you want to check out from one of the services above, you can begin to make appointments to visit.

    You’ll want to pay special attention to the amenities that each apartment offers. You may put a big emphasis on on-site laundry facilities, a pool, a courtyard, lounge and other things.

    2. Have Your Finances in Order

    Before you begin to schedule visits, you need to have your financials in order. Landlords don’t just let you move in, you’ll need a credit check. The idea behind this is that you have to show income stability.

    Get a free credit report at annualcreditreport.com, the only authorized website for free credit reports from the three major credit bureaus Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

    When you get the credit reports, go over them with a finetooth comb to make sure they’re accurate.

    If you see a discrepancy on your credit report, here’s how to dispute it:

    How To Dispute Your Credit Score Really Easily

     

    Not only will you need to have your first and last month’s rent in your account (as we’ll get into), but you’ll need to have more money on hand for some incidentals.

    3. Visit The Apartment

    When you visit the apartment, make sure you the age of the building and style is to your liking. Feel the walls so that you can gauge whether they’re thin and well built.

    Look out for loud neighbors and other things that may affect your ability to have a good night’s rest.

    If you like what you see, make an offer.

    4. Negotiate Your Rent

    You don’t have to accept what the landlord offers. See if you can negotiate. If you sign a two-year lease rather than one year, you may be able to get a better deal. You won’t know what’s capable until you ask.

    If the leasing agent can’t make any concessions, see if you can get the hookup on parking or a one-month discount in lieu of a move-in special.

    Here are some methods on negotiating your rent.

    5.  Sign The Dotted Line

    When you sign the lease, you may need to have a list of references. These should be people you’ve contacted ahead of time who will have only good things to say about you.

    Their input will be what decides your worthiness.

    Before you sign your lease, you need to know what to expect as far as charges and fees. Here are some of the charges you may be asked to pay:

    • Rental application fee
    • Security deposit
    • Last month’s rent
    • Move-in fee or finders fee

    Depending on where you rent your place and your specific circumstances, you may also be asked to pay a pet fee or even parking space fee.

    Before you sign an apartment lease, read this.

    Once you pay what you owe, your landlord or leasing agent will hand over the keys to your new apartment. Remember to keep it down and always be considerate of your neighbors.

    What if you have bad credit?

    How To Rent An Apartment With Bad Credit

    The first thing you need to do is look for apartments that don’t do credit checks on potential tenants.

    You’re also going to want to entice the landlord by offering to pay more upfront or even every month.

    So, to recap, if you have bad credit, the way to rent an apartment is:

    • Find apartments with no credit checks
    • Offer to pay more upfront

    Atlanta is a great place to live.

    Up next: The best Airbnbs in Atlanta

    These Atlanta AirBnbs Are Getting National Attention

     

    Atlanta has one of the best real estate markets in the country, with affordable housing in every quadrant of the city. Large backyards, manicured parcels and strong neighborhoods with ample dining amenities make it one of the top places for transplants.
    Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.

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  • The Beverly by Alta to open in Atlanta's Buckhead community

    New Apartment The Beverly by Alta Being Built In Buckhead

    3 Min Read

    Atlanta has tons of apartments popping up here and there. The Beverly by Alta, one of the most anticipated apartment buildings in the city, is currently being built in Buckhead. 

    The luxury community has begun the wood framing stage, according to a news release from Wood Partners, the real estate developer. If you’re wondering how much apartment you can afford, you should see if The Beverly by Alta is in your budget.

    What To Know About The Beverly By Alta

    The Beverly By Alta aims to be the premiere place for upscale millennials in Atlanta. The apartments will offer 291 units comprised of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts with custom-designed floorplans.

    Read our guide on how to rent an apartment in Atlanta.

    Designed with a modern, luxurious feel in mind, residents will be welcomed home to light-filled, open floorplans, warm tones and sleek features.

    Each home will also boast an array of high-end finishes including luxurious kitchens featuring stainless steel Whirlpool appliances, quartz countertops and designer tile backsplash, as well as full size in-unit washer and dryer sets, spacious balconies and wood-style flooring in the main living spaces.

    On site, apartment residents of The Beverly by Alta will also be able to take advantage of the community’s best-in-class amenities, including a resort-style pool featuring cabanas and lounge chairs, outdoor pavilions, outdoor yoga deck, outdoor coworking space, grilling stations and outdoor fire pits, pool lounge, library, poker room, golf simulator, and an on-site dog park and wash area.

    Inside the clubhouse, residents will have access to a 24-hour fitness center and yoga studio, rentable private day offices and a TV lounge.

    When Will The Beverly By Alta Open In Atlanta?

    The community is set to open in early 2024 with pre-leasing set to begin at the end of 2023.

    The Beverly by Alta is the perfect residential community for young professionals, placing them within minutes of the city’s main interstates.

    Where Is The Beverly By Alta Located?

    The Beverly By Alta is located at 3314 Piedmont Road in Atlanta’s highly sought after Buckhead neighborhood. Here is a map to help you find it.


    The community’s prime location offers direct routes to all areas of the city, as well as many of the area’s top employers including Salesforce, Atlanta Tech Village, Coca-Cola, Google and more.

    Residents will also have access to several major dining and entertainment areas—including Buckhead Village District, Lenox Square Mall and Phipps Plaza, as well as popular outdoor attractions such as Chastain Park, Fetch Dog Park, Bobby Jones Golf Course, and the PATH400 greenway trail with four access points throughout the heart of Buckhead.

    Final Word

    “Wood Partners is excited to announce The Beverly by Alta, a new community designed for residents to experience luxurious and comfortable living in the center of one of Atlanta’s most in demand neighborhoods,” said Bennett Sands, Managing Director at Wood Partners. “As an Atlanta-based organization, we are thrilled to continue expanding our footprint right in our back yard while contributing to the on-going boom in growth and development taking place throughout the city.”

    Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.

    See The Latest Atlanta Real Estate News At AtlantaFi.com.

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  • Why Atlanta's real estate market is so hot

    Atlanta’s Real Estate Market To Be Among Nation’s Hottest In 2023

    4 Min Read

    This is a good time to buy 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: Hot, Hot, Hotcre

    The typical home value in Atlanta is $330,218, and Zillow forecasts home values will rise 21.7% through November 2022. 

    10 Hottest Housing Markets

    1. Tampa
    2. Jacksonville
    3. Raleigh
    4. San Antonio
    5. Charlotte
    6. Nashville
    7. Atlanta
    8. Phoenix
    9. Orlando
    10. Austin

    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

    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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  • Tyler Perry makes Fort McPherson plans

    Tyler Perry Buys 37 More Acres At Fort McPherson Site, Plans Retail

    4 Min Read

    Atlanta movie mogul Tyler Perry continues to expand his local empire in Georgia. This time, the Why Did I Get Married? star has bought more land parcels adjacent to his movie studio in southwest Atlanta.

    The acreage, a short drive from East Point and College Park, Georgia, has a lot in store for the public.

    What Is Tyler Perry Planning For Southwest Atlanta?

    Perry’s recent $8.4 million purchase of 37 additional acres next to his namesake studios come with some bodacious plans, according to news reports.

    Perry plans to use the land parcels to transform the area into an entertainment, retail, and restaurant district that would include shops, a movie theater and more.

    The businesses would be a welcome addition to rejuvenate what has been a long-forgotten area when it comes to amenities and basic food stores.

    How Did Perry Get The Fort McPherson Property?

    In 2014, Perry was wrestling with the idea of building a new movie studio and moving it to Douglas County, but then Mayor Kasim Reed was adamant that he stay in the city.

    The two worked out a deal in which Perry would buy 330 acres at Fort McPherson for $30 million, which was characterized as a super-bargain at the time.

    After securing two-third of the old Army base and redeveloping it, Perry threw a lavish grand opening for Tyler Perry Studios in October 2019, introducing movie stars and the public to the studio’s 12 sound stages.

    Also tucked away in the deal was an option to buy the 37 additional acres at the base, which Perry was given a “right of first refusal.”

    In June 2021, megachurch leader Bishop T.D. Jakes’ T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures struck a deal to purchase 94 acres at Fort Mac as well. Separately, Perry also was approved to buy the additional 37 acres on the site.

    ‘I’m looking forward to collaborating with my friend T.D. Jakes on his separate but adjacent project,’ Perry said in a news release at the time. “Today is a good day. I’m grateful for the opportunity this gives Tyler Perry Studios to extend our footprint in Atlanta and create more opportunities for the people of Southwest Atlanta with restaurants, entertainment venues, and other business opportunities.”

    What Will Be Built At Fort McPherson?

    According to a masterplan proposed by the T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures group, the Fort Mac site will include the following sections:

    • Historic cultural district
    • Historic business district
    • Tyler Perry Studios entertainment district
    • Entertainment district extension
    • Residential village and more
    Fort McPherson masterplan
    Courtesy of T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures, LLC”

    Jakes was enthusiastic about the deal as well, saying, “My cultural fluency results from having grown up in a community like the Atlanta communities surrounding Fort McPherson. In my travels across all of America, I see too many Black and Brown working-class people still falling victim to the continued gentrification of our neighborhoods. I’m extremely excited about the accessible ownership options that will exist for future residents of this multigenerational community. This project will bring solutions to the quality-of-life problems and elevate the lives of the Atlantans that will live, work and play there.”

    Final Word

    Perry, who joined his friend Oprah Winfrey in achieving billionaire status in recent years, continues to build upon his movie and TV success with lucrative deals with Amazon Studios and Netflix.

    He’s also in the middle of completing his mansion in the Atlanta suburbs. The property, which is located in Douglas County, Georgia encompasses more than 800 acres, making it one of the largest pieces of in-tact land available in all of metro Atlanta.

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  • Ideas to boost your home's curb appeal in Atlanta

    6 Curb Appeal Ideas For Your Atlanta Home

    3 Min Read

    The Atlanta real estate market is poised for a comeback this year. To make sure your home sells, you’ve got to spruce it up in a creative way.

    This article will show you some great ideas on how to spruce up your home’s curb appeal so that it entices potential buyers.

    Here Are 6 Awesome Curb Appeal Ideas

    Selling a home in Atlanta, or any large city right now, can be chaotic. 

    Cut Your Grass

    This one is obvious, but in the warmer months, your lawn can get out of control rather quickly. Keep a lawnmower on the property so you or a lawn maintenance worker can get to work keeping your grass cut.

    It may not seem like much, but having a well-manicured lawn adds points to your home’s overall appearance. Want to save gas? Check out this electric mower.

    Trim Your Hedges

    Always make sure your hedges, trees and shrubs are trimmed to compliment your home. The last thing a potential buyer wants to see are wayward vines and branches encroaching on the porch or walkway.

    Take the time to invest in some shears so that you can cut your shrubs and other things out of the way.

    Get Your Home A Paint Job

    PermaWhite Exnterior Semi-Gloss

    A fresh coat of paint can work wonders to a drab house looking for some life. Look for colors that give the illusion of width and height rather than opting for your personal favorite.

    If you can’t afford to get your home painted, think about some new ways to accent your exterior with house plants that add color.

    Keep Your Gutters Clean

    Another cosmetic thing that detracts from your home’s appearance is a gutter or roof filled with leaves. 

    Can’t get on a ladder to clean your roof’s gutters? Hire someone that can get the job done.

    Remove The Clutter

    If you’re one of those homeowners who keep old soda cans, vases or other contraptions on the porch, consider removing them before your potential buyer arrives.

    Again, you don’t want clutter to steal attention away from your home’s true character.

    Pressure Wash Your Concrete

    If you have a concrete walkway or driveway, consider getting it pressure washed to get rid of the stain. Your home can really shine once you give your walkway or the sidewalk in front of your home a once over.

    Bottom Line

    It could cost you a lot of money if you missed out on the sale of your home just because you didn’t tidy things up around the property. In essence, clean up.

    The time and energy you spend into boosting your curb appeal will be more than worth it in the long run.

    Atlanta has one of the best real estate markets in the country, with affordable housing in every quadrant of the city. Large backyards, manicured parcels and strong neighborhoods with ample dining amenities make it one of the top places for transplants.
    Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.

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  • How much home can i afford in Atlanta?

    How Much House Can You Afford In Atlanta? (Calculator)

    5 Min Read

    If you’re shopping for a home in Atlanta, one of the questions you need to think about is how much house you can afford.

    The question is one that needs to be weighed seriously because all you have to do is visit the steps of the Fulton, DeKalb or Cobb County courthouse to see foreclosure auctions in action.

    Here’s How Much House You Can Afford In Atlanta (Calculator)

    People buy more house than they need for several reasons:

    • Bad advice from Realtors
    • Keeping up with the Joneses
    • Resale purposes

    Let’s talk about each of these a little bit before we move into what homes cost in Atlanta:

    Bad advice from Realtors

    Real estate agents play a vital role in the homebuying process, but you have to know when they’re in and out of their lane. 

    A Realtor has no business telling you how much house you can afford. That’s what a lender is for. A Realtor should only advise you on what type of home you want.

    Still, many people listen to Realtors who are out to make a buck. Some of them will tell you that you can afford the home by this strategy and that strategy, but the truth is, it may be a bad deal.

    Keeping up the Joneses

    This is the worse reason to buy a big house: To keep up with your neighbors, friends or other family members. 

    If you are vain enough to buy a huge home because of someone else’s situation, then you’re the type that will end up with bad credit because you’re paying too much for your home, car and appliances.

    Resale Purposes

    Some potential home shoppers want to buy a home because they think that appreciation is going to let them double or triple their money (again, bad advice).

    That’s not the reason you should buy a home. You should purchase a home because you like it, the way it looks, feels and speaks to your sensibilities.

    The resale market is too unpredictable to base such a big purchase on, especially if you’re not a seasoned investor.

    So, how much home can you afford? Here’s how to find out:

    Multiply Your Annual Income

    To find out how much home you can afford, you would multiply your annual income by two or three.

    Let’s say you make: $50,000 a year. That means you could afford a home that costs anywhere from $100,000 to $150,000.

    Of course, this will be affected by two things:

    • Interest rate: The percentage that is paid by borrowers for the money that they borrow.
    • Credit score: A three-digit number that indicates to banks and other lenders how likely you are to repay debt.

    Here Are 5 Ways To Determine How Much Home You Can Afford

    Answer these questions:

    • 1. How much is your annual income?
    • 2. How much is your downpayment?
    • 3. What ZIP code do you want to live in?
    • 4. How much are your monthly expenses (food, clothing, mortgage, etc)?
    • 5. What is your credit score?

    Here’s a mortgage calculator to help you:

    How Can I Calculate How Much Home I Can Afford?

    Other Factors That Determine How Much Home You Can Afford

    Another factor that will indicate how much house you can afford is your expense-to-income ratio. 

    Front-End Ratio

    This is how much your monthly expenses are vs. how much income you bring in. Banks like this number, commonly called a “front-end ratio,” to be between 28 and 30%. 

    Your mortgage lender will look for your mortgage payment and PMI (private mortgage insurance) to all be around 28% of your income.

    Debt-To-Income Ratio

    You’ll also need to have a relatively low debt-to-income ratio to get the home you want. This means that the amount of debt you’ve borrowed and  paying back is not gobbling up most of your income.

    Banks like your debt-to-income ratio to be around 36% typically.

    Are You A Veteran?

    If you have served your country, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers home loans and grants to help you buy, refinance or renovate your home.

    For ex-military and their surviving spouses, the VA guarantees part of the loan, meaning they will cover a portion of the loan if you default. Learn more here.

    30-Year-Loan Or 15-Year Fixed?

    If you have a choice, you may be wondering which is better: A 30-year mortgage or a 15-year mortgage?

    The truth is that both have their advantages. A 30-year mortgage would typically mean a lower monthly bill because the payments are spread out over more years.

    The bad part is that you’ll pay a lot more in interest over those years.

    For a 15-year fixed, the interest rate is lower and you’ll pay off the principal faster.

    The bottom line is if you can afford to do a 15-year mortgage, you should!

    Continue Reading…

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  • Atlanta real estate market

    Report: Atlanta The Top Real Estate Market To Watch In 2023

    2 Min Read

    Atlanta, Georgia figures to once again loom large when it comes to real estate for the new year.

    The metro area is once again one of the top housing markets in the United States, according to new figures from the National Association of Realtors.

    Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist and senior vice president of research, forecasts that Atlanta will be the nation’s top real estate market to watch in 2023 and beyond, an NAR news release says.

    • Yun predicts that 4.78 million existing homes will be sold across America in 2023, with prices stabilizing.
    • Home sales will drop by 6.8% compared to 2022.
    • The median home price will hit $385,800, which constitutes a 0.3% hike compared to 2022.

    Top 10 Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2023

    Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, Georgia

    Raleigh, North Carolina

    Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas

    Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Arkansas-Missouri

    Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, South Carolina

    Charleston-North Charleston, South Carolina

    Huntsville, Alabama

    Jacksonville, Florida

    San Antonio-New Braunfels, Texas

    Knoxville, Tennessee

    Because of affordability issues, the Atlanta metro area is far down the list for 2023, says a recent Realtor.com report, as midsize markets with adequate housing rise to the top.

    As home sales declined in the second half of 2022 with the rising of interest rates, real estate experts are hopeful that the new year brings home shoppers back to the market.

    Are Home Sales Going To Rise?

    The top markets are expected to see home sales increase 5.2% year-over-year in 2022. Additionally, average home prices in the top 10 markets are expected to jump 7.3% while the rest of the nation will only see a 5% bump.

    How To Afford A Home Right Now

    With so much economic pressure on Americans, it’s understandable that many would be concerned about affording a home right now. But the key is that you can get in the home you want and need for the most part.

    One thing you’ll have to do is get pre-approved by a lender of your choice, who will consider the income you take in annually as well as your debt and credit.

    You can gauge how much you can comfortably spend on a new mortgage in a really simple way. See our home affordability calculator.

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  • Tyler Perry new mansion in Douglasville, Georgia

    Tyler Perry’s New Mega Mansion: What We Know Now (PICS)

    3 Min Read

    More details have come to light about movie mogul Tyler Perry’s construction of his mega mansion outside Atlanta.

    The property, which is located in Douglas County, Georgia encompasses more than 800 acres, making it one of the largest pieces of in-tact land available in all of metro Atlanta.

    Tyler Perry’s New Mansion: Here’s What We Know

    The Madea actor bought the acreage back in 2013 with plans to build on it at some point. I guess the time is now. The massive estate is currently under construction.

    According to TMZ, Perry is investing a lot of planning into the property because he wants his young son to appreciate nature as well as animals, which the property will have plenty of.

    This is the second Atlanta-area mansion Perry has lived in, if you remember Avec Chateau, which is located on Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead.

    As you know by now, Perry is a billionaire. Most of his worth comes from the content he’s created over the years, particularly his movies. With the ascension of Tyler Perry Studios, Perry now reportedly generates a quarter of his worth from that property.

    Here Is The Latest Picture Of The Tyler Perry Mansion

    Tyler Perry mansion latest pictures

    As you can see, landscaping is 

    Where Is Tyler Perry’s Mansion Located?

    The palatial estate encompasses hundreds of acres surrounding a mansion located in Douglas County, which is about 20 minutes outside Atlanta.
     
    Some of the amenities that have been revealed to be in the mansion so far are:
    • Lap pool
    • Helipad for a helicopter
    • Jet runway
    • Organic farm with horses

    How Big Is Tyler Perry’s New Mansion And What’s It Worth?

    According to media reports, Perry’s new mansion encompasses 40,000 square feet of space and is valued at $100 million. According to Douglas County real estate records, Perry was able to purchase the property in liquidation after plans for a subdivision feel through.

    Here are some metrics we have learned about the property:

    • 40,000 square-foot home
    • 2,100 acres
    • 8 bedrooms
    • 12 bathrooms

    Under Construction: Tyler Perry’s New Mansion (Pics)

    Tyler Perry Douglas County mansion

    Tyler Perry Douglasville mansion pics

    Tyler Perry Douglasville mansion pics

    Tyler Perry Douglasville mansion pics

    Final Word

    When it is built, Perry’s new mansion will be the most expensive in the Atlanta-area.

    Like a good movie, the mansion is taking several years because Perry wants it done right. No doubt when the project is complete, pictures of the finished mansion will circulate on social media.

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  • rent help DeKalb

    How To Get Rent Help In DeKalb County

    2 Min Read

    If you need help with your rent in DeKalb County, a local government program may possibly be able to help. The program is similar to one for Atlanta residents, but there are some key differences.

    If you live in DeKalb and are struggling with rent, you may qualify for assistance. The program pays for rent, rent arrearage, utilities, utility arrearage and other housing costs.

    This article is going to show you how to apply for rental assistance if you quality.

    How To Apply For Rent Assistance In DeKalb County

    For those in need, DeKalb’s government has responded with help. If you’re wondering who can receive it, the program is for qualifying residents who live outside Atlanta.

    The DeKalb assistance program gives temporary rental and utility assistance.

    The application process re-opened for DeKalb’s COVID-19 Tenant-Landlord Assistance Coalition Program in June 2022. So far, nearly $60 million in funds have been dispensed to eligible households in need of rental and utility assistance.

    You’ll need to provide some personal information like your name, address as well as proof of income, if any.

    Like other programs, you must meet the eligibility requirements to be approved. Annual family income limits are:

    • Family of one: $46,350
    • Family of two: $52,950
    • Family of three: $59,550
    • Family of four: $66,150

    How To Apply For Rental Assistance In DeKalb

    To apply for rental assistance in DeKalb, sign into the Efile Page.

    Once you have registered on the website, follow the steps to input your information.

    Last Words

    Submitting a TLAC application does not guarantee assistance will be provided. Applications must be reviewed for proper qualification to receive assistance and financial assistance offered by the TLAC program will expire when DeKalb County’s Emergency Rental Assistance grant funds are exhausted.

    Atlanta has one of the best real estate markets in the country, with affordable housing in every quadrant of the city. Large backyards, manicured parcels and strong neighborhoods with ample dining amenities make it one of the top places for transplants.

    If you’re interested in finding a place to rent in Atlanta, here are some steps to follow.

    More Articles From AtlantaFi.com:

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  • Atlanta cheapest metros for renting vs. buying a home

    Atlanta Leads Metros Where Renting Is Cheaper Than Buying A Home

    3 Min Read

    According to a recent study, the metropolitan Atlanta area leads the nation in cities where it is cheaper to rent rather than buy a home.

    The data, compiled in Realtor.com’s June 22 report, shows that the trend of higher home prices has flipped from what it was just a year ago. 

    “Eight of the top 50 metros flipped from having monthly buy costs lower than monthly rent costs in 2021 to having monthly rent costs lower than monthly buy costs in 2022, and one metro flipped from favoring renting to favoring buying since last year,” the report says.

    Why Is Renting Cheaper Than Buying a Home Right Now?

    The report indicates that interest rates, which recently eclipsed the 5% mark, are a major factor in putting homeownership out of the reach of many people.

    Due to recent actions of the Federal Reserve, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 5.52% in June 2022. Just five months ago in January, that figure was 3.45%.

    Let’s look at the metro areas where it is cheaper to rent than buy a home, according to Realtor.com.

    Cheapest Metro Areas For Renting Vs. Buying A Home

    Metro Overall Median Rent Overall Rent YY Studio Median Rent Studio Rent YY 1-br Median Rent 1-br Rent YY 2-br Median Rent 2-br Rent YY
    Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $1,858 10.8% $1,718 14.6% $1,731 11.4% $2,065 9.4%
    Austin-Round Rock, TX $1,864 19.6% $1,534 22.8% $1,720 23.5% $2,050 17.0%
    Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $1,820 9.6% $1,451 2.6% $1,716 9.2% $1,940 10.2%
    Birmingham-Hoover, AL $1,278 9.8% $982 -3.8% $1,186 8.5% $1,343 11.5%
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $2,966 23.6% $2,499 24.3% $2,757 19.9% $3,305 25.6%
    Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY $1,345 10.0% $1,125 2.7% $1,195 8.7% $1,495 8.9%
    Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC $1,752 18.4% $1,619 20.9% $1,659 19.4% $1,880 12.1%
    Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI $2,000 14.3% $1,700 25.9% $1,960 15.3% $2,200 12.5%
    Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN $1,499 9.1% $1,200 10.6% $1,438 9.3% $1,626 5.8%
    Cleveland-Elyria, OH $1,432 12.1% $948 6.8% $1,317 8.6% $1,593 16.5%

    How To Rent An Apartment In Atlanta Right Now

    Atlanta’s rental market has not been for the faint of heart lately. Prices have shot upward over the past 12 months, but there are signs we could see some relief soon.

    If you’re looking for an apartment right now, the first thing you need to do is make sure you have a firm budget for rent.

    Don’t get misled by amenities are how large the apartment is, get what you can afford.

    For example, if your monthly income is $3,000, your monthly rent should be around $1,000.

    Typically, you will also need to have the first and last month’s rent. So if you’re renting a $1,000-a-month apartment, you will need to set aside an entire month of income to get the key.

    Here’s how to get an apartment for cheap.

    Final Word

    If you’re interested in buying a home, don’t think you’ll never achieve your goals. Stick to it. Check out our Real Estate Resource Page.

    See The Latest Atlanta Real Estate News At AtlantaFi.com.

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