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Virtual Properties Realty (770) 495-5050 - Voted AJC's Top Workplace!
The best compliment I can receive is a referral, so when you hear of someone buying or selling, please send me with their name and #. I'll happily follow up and take great care of them!

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When Real Estate and Divorce Intersect

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A knowledgeable, neutral agent can protect both sides from costly mistakes. Divorce is difficult enough without the added complexity of dividing one of your biggest financial assets, your home. Decisions about whether to sell the house, buy out a spouse's share, or keep it for a period of time can carry lasting financial consequences. That's why it's important to work with a real estate professional who understands the legal, financial, and emotional layers that come with selling or refinancing during a divorce. An agent experienced in divorce-related real estate isn't just focused on the sale. They're focused on helping each party make informed, fair, and financially sound decisions. Objectivity and Clear Communication Emotions often run high during this time, and it's easy for communication to break down. A neutral, experienced agent serves as a professional buffer keeping the transaction on track, ensuring both parties receive the same informa...
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Missed Opportunities Are Far More Likely

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If you've been sitting on the sidelines, waiting for mortgage rates to drop back below 4% before making a move, it's time for a reality check. While we all loved the historically low rates of 2020 and 2021, those numbers were driven by extraordinary global circumstances, not typical market trends. And expecting them to return any time soon could lead to missed opportunities that may cost you far more in the long run. During the height of the pandemic, global economic uncertainty prompted aggressive action from the Federal Reserve, which helped drive mortgage rates to record lows. In January 2021, the 30-year fixed rate bottomed out at 2.65%, the lowest in Freddie Mac's recorded history, which dates back to 1971. But that wasn't a normal market. It was a response to an emergency. Looking at the big picture, the average 30-year mortgage rate over the last 60+ years has hovered around 7.74%. Even today's rates, currently in the mid 6% range, are below that ...
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The Hidden Tax Trap Costing Homeowners Thousands

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Through a 28-year lens, tax policies on home sales haven't kept pace with rising home values. That's putting homeowners in a bind and stifling real estate opportunities across the board. Since 1997, the capital gains exclusion on the sale of a primary residence has remained unchanged at $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for married couples. Back then, the average U.S. home cost about $145,000. Today, that same home sells for around $422,600, up a staggering 191%. But the tax break hasn't budged, squeezing homeowners who have earned significant appreciation over decades. Housing economists refer to this as the "Stay-Put Penalty" since tax-free profit has a capped limit, many homeowners are discouraged from selling, even after years of significant appreciation. Research shows that 34% of homeowners (about 29 million people) have already surpassed the $250,000 single-filer threshold, and over 10% have exceeded the $500,000 joint-filer cap according to...
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