• the most expensive home in Atlanta, Georgia

    Take An Exclusive Look Inside The Most Expensive Home In Atlanta

    3 Min Read

    If you want to see a modern display of wealth and style, all you have to do is gaze upon the estate on 4110 Paces Ferry Road in Atlanta. This is the most expensive home in Atlanta as well as Georgia, although that won’t be for long.

    The Buckhead home used to be owned by movie mogul Tyler Perry, who unloaded it a few years ago.

    Who Owns The Famous Paces Ferry Mansion In Atlanta?

    The home,  which overlooks the Chattahoochee River, was on the market for $28 million at one point, but it’s listed a few years ago for a real steal: Just $21 million (Hey, that’s a bargain for you millionaires).

    After it was all said and done, comedian Steve Harvey and wife Majorie were confirmed to be the buyers of the mansion, which was theirs for $20 million in 2020.

    Listen to Harvey tell how he stumbled upon the Atlanta mansion.

    Inside Atlanta’s Most Expensive Home (PICS)

    So what does the most expensive home in Atlanta have that yours does not? Well, a few things. Let’s take a tour inside this mansion so we can see how the 1% actually lives and where they sleep.

    The home has 7 bedrooms, 9.5 bathrooms and comes in at 34,688 square feet and sits on 17 acres. Here are some pictures:

    Perry sold the property to millionaire evangelist David Turner in May 2016 for $17 million. It was listed for $25 million.

    Among the amenities the home has are:

    • A 70,000 gallon infinity-edge swimming pool
    • lighted tennis court
    • Fully equipped gym
    • Spa
    • Movie theater
    • Indoor resistance pool, catering kitchen, wine cellar, guest house, underground ballroom and more.

    Final Word

    Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.

    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.

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

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    Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our  news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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  • woman homeowner: How to rent a house

    How To Rent Your House To Earn Extra Income

    5 Min Read
    One way you can make some extra money is by renting your home out. Atlanta, Georgia, is a movie mecca, so it’s easy to find projects that need a location.
     
    When you take a look at your home, you may not see extra money, but that’s exactly what it can be. All you have to do is rent your your home for services that are in demand.
     
    One thing that may be in need near you are filming locations. Your house no doubt is the largest purchase you’ve ever made. Now it’s time for the big pay back.
     
    Check out these ways that you could rent out your home to earn extra money.

    How To Rent Your House To Earn Extra Money

    Not only are these methods fairly easy in a city like Atlanta, but this can work in any city in America.
     
    Let’s look at five steps you must do to rent your home and be successful:

    1. Make Sure You’re Landlord Material 

    It may sound strange, but just because you have a home for rent doesn’t mean you’re a good landlord.
     
    It’s actually a lot of work, especially in the beginning.
    Lots of legal paperwork as well as physical labor.
     
    Of course, you can always hire a property manager. That will drew up your time and mind, but that will also eat into your bottom line.
     
    Here are some of the tasks of a landlord:
    • Take care of repairs
    • Handle all maintenance
    • Pay insurance & property taxes
    • Collect rent
    • Get along with the tenant
    If you’re up to the tasks, you can make some real money by renting your home.

    2. Clean Up

    The first thing you’re going to have to do is get your home professionally cleaned or gather some friends and family for a big scrub-down.
     
    Only with a thorough cleaning can you see what kind of condition the home is in. Only then can you see how much rent your house can fetch on the open market.
     
    You will want to scrub baseboards, mop floors, wipe down walls, blinds and wash curtains. Once it’s all clean, you may decide to make some modest improvements.
     

    3. Upgrades

    If you have some fixtures or appliances that work but have become dated, you may choose to upgrade them.
     
    We’re not talking about major upgrades, but smaller DIY projects that could modernize the space and persuade people to stay there.
     
    A fresh coat of paint to a room or two is just one suggestion. Here are some nice touches you could add:

    Diamond Brite Paint 31150 5-Gallon Oil Base All Purpose Enamel Paint Grey – $109

    Buy It

    Solar Lights Bright Pathway Outdoor Garden Stakes – $56

    Dynasty Hardware Door Handles (6 Pack) – $104

    Buy It

    4. Market Your House

    Now it’s time to market your house to see if you can rent it out. Make sure you use words like “gourmet,” and “amenities.” Of course, always be honest in the descriptions you use.
     
    Of course you could post some flyers in the surrounding area, but today it’s way easier to market online.

    What Is The Best Website For Rental Homes?

    Here are some of the best sites to list your house for rent:
    Believe it or not, some Realtors will help homeowners to rent out their homes. Of course, the agent will charge a commission.

    5. Choose The Right Tenant

    The best experience you could possibly have as a landlord has everything to do with choosing the right tenant.
    If you rent your home to someone that likes to throw parties all the time, or is a smoker, or takes in rescue animals, you may Ed up regretting it.
    It’s mandatory that you screen all potential renters by running a background check. In addition to verifying employment and credit history, you should also ask for multiple references.
     
    And note: For security reasons, all of this should be done before you meet them in person.

    Last Thought

    Renting out your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you can make. 
    I’d highly suggest you familiarize yourself with state tenants rights and landlord rights so you know how to operate within the law.
     
    By doing your homework and due diligence, it can be a profitable endeavor.
     

    Up Next How To Make Money From Home

    6 Easy Ways To Make Money From Home

    Atlanta has one of thebest 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.

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  • Cost of living in Georgia

    What Is The Cost Of Living In Georgia?

    2 Min Read

    Despite the rising costs of food and other necessities right now, Georgia remains one of the cheapest states to live in.

    Data from the the Council for Community & Economic Research (C2ER) shows that the Peach State is the top five when it comes to cost of living expenses.

    Wondering how Georgia stacks up against other U.S. cities? Here’s the data:

    States With The Lowest Annual Average Cost of Living

    Rank State Index  Grocery Housing Utilities Transportation Health  Misc.
    1 Mississippi  83.3 92.2 66.3 90.4 86.7 94.7 90.9
    2 Kansas  86.5 91.7 72.6 100.2 97.3 100.4 88.4
    3 Alabama  87.9 98.2 70.1 100.7 92.7 91.2 94.3
    4 Oklahoma  87.9 94.5 74.7 95.1 94.8 94.5 92.6
    5 Georgia  88.8 95.9 74.4 90.5 92.6 96.7 97.1
    6 Tennessee  89.0 94.7 79.3 92.5 88.8 91.2 94.2
    7 Missouri  89.8 95.0 80.3 95.4 92.4 94.6 93.3
    8 Iowa  89.9 98.4 76.0 94.9 97.7 99.9 94.2
    9 West Virginia  90.5 96.5 78.6 89.4 92.2 88.1 99.7
    10 Indiana  90.6 92.7 78.3 99.0 98.3 94.6 96.8

    Thinking Of Moving To Georgia?

    One of the most attractive places to live in Georgia is the Atlanta-area. The region boasts some of the best weather, a vibrant economy and plenty of things to do.

    The first thing you need to decide is whether you want a house or an apartment in Georgia and the Atlanta area.

    Look for apartments that don’t do credit checks on potential tenants. That way, it’s easier to find a place.

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

    After you’ve gotten a place to live, you’ll want to get a job (if you don’t already have one). With most people, they have a job, but want a better one.

    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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  • best Airbnbs for rent in Atlanta

    These Atlanta AirBnbs Are Getting National Attention

    3 Min Read

    Atlanta’s rental marketplace tilts heavily in the favor of apartments, but Airbnbs continue to make up some of the nicer places to stay in the city.

    If you’re planning a trip to the city or thinking of a weekend getaway, the best Airbnbs in Atlanta come with top-notch accommodations.

    What Is An Airbnb House?

    An Airbnb house is a residential property that people can rent for a short period of time. The site Airbnb.com facilitates the entire transaction between hosts and guests. 

    The accommodations can be extravagant or bare-bones, depending on what you want to book.

    Here Are The Best Luxury Airbnbs In Atlanta

    When you need to rent an apartment or home in Atlanta, here are the best Airbnbs in Atlanta:

    Inman Park Luxury 2-Bedroom Apartment

    Inman Park Luxury 2-Bedroom Apartment

    This luxury apartment is a top floor unit that is professionally decorated, and located in Inman Park, walking distance to a dozen restaurants, Atlanta Beltline, Krogg Street Market, and just 5 minutes from downtown Atlanta.

    Book Here.

    Zen Manor In Edgewood With Hot Tub

    Edgewood home for rent in Atlanta on Airbnb

    this modern home with rooftop bar, hot tub, and large private backyard is for you! The kitchen is upscale, parking is plentiful, and you can walk to shopping.

    Book Here.

    Modern Classic In Atlanta

    modern home for rent in Atlanta

    this beautiful modern and classic farmhouse style ome offers you all there is when it comes to intown living. You’ll enjoy the lush greenery in the backyard and around the home.

    Book Here

    Zen House In Downtown Atlanta

    Zen House In Downtown Atlanta

    This is a beautiful cozy space with peaceful vibes, thoughtfully designed for you to have a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

    Book Here

    Atlanta Alpaca Treehouse in the Bamboo Forest

    Best AirBnbs in Atlanta

    One of the most famous Airbnbs in Atlanta, the Alpaca Treehouse in the Bamboo Forest is well known not only around the city, but much of the nation.

    The treehouse is so popular it has its own website.

    Price: $375 a night

    Check-in experience: 5 Stars

    Book here

    Cabbagetown Cottage

    Cabbagetown Cottage

    Private and quiet, The 2-bedroom Majic Cottage rests directly off Cabbagetown Park and is the last home at the end of a quiet cul de sac.

    Book Here

    Off The Beltline

    Airbnb off the Atlanta Beltline

    This centrally-located pad is located right off the Atlanta Beltline. With a 96% neighborhood walk score, you don’t even need a car! Inman park has been rated Atlanta’s best city neighborhood. Bonus: There are amazing restaurants, cafes and parks nearby

    Book Here

    Final Word

    Rents continue to increase in Atlanta proper, that means Airbnb will continue to be an option for visitors.

    Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is so accessible.

    Not only is it the world’s busiest airport, but it’s state-of-the-art in every way. If you’re interesting in traveling around Atlanta via car or even on scooter, here’s what to know.

    More Articles Like This:

    Traveling Soon? Check Out Our International Checklist

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  • The Dungeon on Airbnb in Atlanta

    Organized Noize’s Dungeon Lists On Airbnb In Atlanta

    2 Min Read

    One of the most famous locations in Southern hip-hop history can be yours for the renting. The music production outfit known as Organized Noize’s homebase, the Dungeon, is available for rent on Airbnb.

    What Is The Dungeon In Atlanta?

    The Dungeon is where the hitmaking studio of Organized Noize was located. In the 1990s, the home was the residence of Atlanta producer Rico Wade. In the basement of that home was the Dungeon.

    That’s where hit acts like Outkast, Goodie Mob, and Organized Noize formed the music collective known as the Dungeon Family.

    In a video shared by Outkast member Big Boi, you get to see the interior of the Dungeon.

    Three years ago, Big Boi purchased the property, showing it off on social media. Back then it still had many of the markings from its hey day. 

    But now, the spot has been renovated. Here’s a look inside:

    Organized Noise’s Dungeon is one of many Atlanta homes on the popular platform Airbnb. These homes are getting national attention.

    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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  • How to negotiate your rent

    How To Negotiate Your Rent: 5 Simple Methods

    4 Min Read
    If it’s time for you to re-up on your apartment lease, you may be able to stop a payment increase or even lower it. The main thing you should keep in mind is that an open line of communication can open the door to rent savings for you.
    This article will show you some steps you can take to negotiate your rent.

    4 Ways You Can Negotiate Your Rent Price

    I don’t have to tell you how rent prices continue to affect the economic landscape in metropolitan cities like Atlanta and other areas. Rent prices typically always go up and never come down, so any relief you can bake into your lease is something you should pursue.
    Let’s go over some ways you can work out an arrangement to lower your rent.

    Can I Negotiate My Rent?

    I know what you’re thinking: Are rent prices negotiable? Everything, including rent prices, is negotiable. The way to get what you want is to have something of value that your landlord wants or needs in return.
    The truth is that few things are given to us in the world, and that includes opportunities to save money. You have to make the effort to save money to be help your finances.

    1. Offer Your Services

    Are you a chef? Do you own a side business? Whatever you do, see if you can offer your services to your landlord in exchange for cheaper rent.
    Here are some things you may be able to do for your landlord:
    • Paint the interior or exterior of your place.
    • Do some on-the-side plumbing work.
    • Lawn care or other maintenance services.

    2. Offer To Sign A Longer Lease

    Another way you can negotiate a cheaper rent rate is to agree to sign a longer lease.
    For example, if you would normally sign a lease for one year, offer to sign for 18 months. The landlord will see the extra money he or she can make.

    3. Agree To Pay A Lumpsum

    Most landlords will take a deal that includes them getting a lumpsum payment. Of course, you’ll want to reduce the overall payment in exchange for a lump sum.
    For example, if your rent is $1,000 a month, then instead of incrementally paying $12,000 for the year, you could offer to pay $10,000 in cash. The landlord may not be able to pass up an opportunity to make that kind of money instantly. Also they may reason that the cash can help them pay for some other expense that needs immediate attention.

    4. Write A Letter To Your Landlord

    Why not just ask your landlord to lower the rent? This should be done in writing so that there’s a documented record of the request.

    You can simply make a petition based on your current or projected income and other specific circumstances. Make sure you tell them how much you love your apartment and what you like best about the property.

    Also, tell them specifically how much you’d like taken off your rent so that there’s no confusion.. If you’re nice about, the landlord just may consider, especially if they value you as a tenant.

    5. Offer To Live In Another Unit

    Another way you can knock off some of your rent money is to negotiate moving into another unit that is less expensive. You could also tell the landlord that you will do minor fixes to the place.

    For example, if you’re in a three-bedroom unit, you might consider downsizing to a two-bedroom or one-bedroom if your circumstances allow.

    Final Word

    Getting a rent reduction can really make a difference in your overall budget. Don’t hesitate to write out all the things you do to improve and beautify your living space. Show it to the landlord so they know the efforts you take to make your apartment livable.

    After you negotiate your rent, it’s time to move into your new place.

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  • what is a short sale in Georgia

    What Is A Short Sale In Real Estate?

    3 Min Read

    If you’re interested in buying property, you should know all you can about a short sale, which is a very valuable transaction in real estate.

    In this article, we’re going to tell you what you need to know about a short sale in real estate.

    What Is A Short Sale?

    A short sale is one in which a motivated seller, typically someone in financial trouble, sells their home for less than what it’s worth.

    Because of the complexities involved, a short sale will typically involve a lender who approves the transaction. Another difference from a traditional real estate transaction is that in a short sale, the seller doesn’t pay for closing costs. Those fees are split between the lender and buyer.

    As you can imagine, a short sale is a good deal for the buyer, but can be a terrible thing for the seller, at least in one sense.

    Is A Short Sale Good Or Bad?

    A short sale is good for the buyer because they get to buy a home for far cheaper than it normally would be listed for.

    On the other hand, for the seller, a short sale may get them out of a mortgage, but their credit will take a major hit in the process.

    The seller will typically look to do a short sale of a home as a way to avoid a foreclosure, which would hurt their credit even more.

    Is It A Good Idea To Buy A Short Sale House?

    You may be weighing whether buying a short sale house is a good idea. While the price will likely be reduced, you should know that there may be some issues with the home that require quite a lot of time or money.
    For that reason, short sales are usually purchased by seasoned real estate investors, who have the time and money to invest. Let’s talk about what’s required.

    The Time

    The time you be spent not only repairing the home and getting it into shape for someone to live there, but securing the necessary paperwork and permits from the appropriate government agencies.

    The Money

    You can bet that it’s going to also cost you a pretty penny to turn the home into something that attracts a buyer. Let’s just not hope that there’s no foundation or roof problems, which will be quite expensive.

    Where Can I Find Short Sales In Georgia?

    You can get a list of short sales in your area by reaching out to your local Realtor, who would be familiar with the process as well.

    You can also find short sales on the following real estate websites:

    Final Word

    Real estate prices are on the rise around the state, but you can find a good deal if you’re patient.

    Contrary to its name, a short sale may take several months before it is finally approved. You can use that time to secure a contractor to do some of the jobs that need to be completed once the home becomes yours.

    You may need a plumber, electrician and carpenter for starters.

    Are you trying to become more financially literate? Check out Money Mondays at AtlantaFi.com, where we’ll share strategies to save and make cash.

    If saving money is something you’re serious about, AtlantaFi.com has a lot of resources to help you.
    Read more:
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  • Homes sold in Atlanta, Georgia

    Zillow Ends Offers Program In Atlanta, Other Cities

    2 Min Read
    Atlanta has been a major market for home listings site Zillow’s home buying program, which is called Offers. Now the Offers are off the table.

    Zillow said on Tuesday that it’s exiting Offers, its business that buys and flips homes, and eliminating 25% of its workforce.

    Zillow Offers Shuts Down

    Zillow revealed the news in its third-quarter earnings report. , which detailed how the company missed its earnings mark to the chagrin of analysts.

    The company said that it would cost too much money to keep the program afloat.

    “We’ve determined the unpredictability in forecasting home prices far exceeds what we anticipated,” Zillow CEO Rich Barton said in the release. “Continuing to scale Zillow Offers would result in too much earnings and balance-sheet volatility.”

    Zillow’s home buying prowess has been getting significant backlash after a viral TikTok explained how the company was buying up properties in the inner city and created an artificially inflated market by suppressing prices in some areas and causing them to rise in other areas of the market.

    Here are some affordable homes for sale in Atlanta.

    Atlanta is enjoying one of the best real estate markets in America, 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.

    Not to mention that the city’s dining scene is the best in the Southeast. Looking for a home? Check out our Real Estate Resource Page.

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

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  • What is my home worth in Atlanta?

    Zillow Is Making Cash Offers On Homes In Atlanta And Other Cities

    3 Min Read

    If you’re looking to sell your home, Zillow may make it a whole lot easier, but it depends on who you ask. 

    A viral TikTok alleges that the real estate company is buying up homes and raising prices, making homeownership unaffordable to untold numbers of people. Zillow has denied the claims and calls it “misinformation.”

    For a while now, Zillow has been making initial cash offers on eligible homes in more than 20 cities, including Atlanta, Georgia.

    The move is part of the company’s Zestimate, which has been changed due to new demands in the real estate industry. In this article, we’ll look at what Zillow’s Zestimate is all about as well as how you can sell your home.

    What Is Zillow’s Zestimate?

    Since 2006, Zillow has offered the Zestimate, which was a valuation tool to see how much your home was worth.

    The Zestimate is now the company’s home-buying service through which customers can sell their home directly to Zillow. 

    The way it works is that qualifying homeowners can get the certainty of a cash offer by way of their Zestimate. The company aims to facilitate the buying and selling of homes totally online.

    That means the era of having random strangers show up at your home may be a thing of the past.

    How You Can Get Paid From Your Zestimate

    Zillow is now pairing the Zestimate with Zillow Offers so that you can get cash in your hands more quickly.

    The way this can work out for a seller is that they can find out what Zillow is willing to offer for their home before it even goes to market. This not only speeds up the process, but avoids long wait times for your property, which could cause it to look stale on the market after a while.

    With a Zestimate, the home seller gets an initial cash offer if their property s deemed an “eligible home” in one of about 20 U.S. cities.

    Final Thoughts

    You may be wondering what it takes to buy a home in Atlanta, as the forecast for this year predicted, prices in certain areas are increasing. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a nice home in metro Atlanta.

    The first step in the process is to get pre-qualified for a mortgage.

    If you’re already pre-approved for a home loan, it signals to the loan officer, real estate agent and seller that you’re ready to purchase — and not playing around.

    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.

    There’s also ample opportunities to rent your home for cash. Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene on our Real Estate page.

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  • How to get rent assistance in Atlanta, Georgia

    Here’s How To Get Rent Help In Fulton County, Georgia

    3 Min Read

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

    If you live in Fulton County and are struggling with rent, you may qualify for assistance. This article is going to show you how to apply for rental assistance if you quality.

    How To Apply For Rent Assistance In Fulton County

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

    The Fulton assistance program gives temporary rental and utility assistance.

    The application process has been opened for Fulton’s COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The aim of the $18 million program is to aid 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. Here are the requirements.

    • Income must be less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
    • At least one household member must qualify for unemployment benefits and can show in writing that they have experienced a downturn in income, incurred “significant costs” or had financial hardships due to COVID-19.
    • At least one household member can demonstrate a risk of homelessness or housing instability. This may include a past due utility bill or eviction notice. It could include evidence of unsafe or unhealthy living conditions.

    How To Apply For Rental Assistance In Fulton

    To apply for rental assistance in Fulton, sign into the Emergency Rental Assistance Portal.

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

    Last Words

    Atlanta’s rental landscape is increasing as more developments are being built, but the city has a serious affordability program. That means an increasing number of people are facing eviction notices and other rental issues.

    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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