Tag Archives : real estate investing

Hey y’all, it’s Joanne! I just got back from Keller Williams’ Family Reunion, where Gary Keller gave his annual Vision Speech—breaking down what’s happening in the housing market and what it means for all of us. And let me tell you, there’s a lot to unpack!

Now, I know the headlines can be overwhelming, and you might be wondering:
“Is now a good time to buy or sell? Should I wait? What’s next?”
So, let’s talk about it in real terms—because while the market is shifting, there’s still plenty of opportunity out there.

Where We Are Now: The Big Picture
The real estate market is definitely feeling a slowdown, with home sales projected to be around 4.2 million in 2025—the lowest we’ve seen in nearly 30 years. That’s a big shift from what we got used to in the past decade. Now, historically, when the market dips like this, it takes about three to four years to fully bounce back, which means we may not see things feel truly ‘normal’ again until 2026 or later.

KWFR 2025

But before you panic—let’s put things in perspective.

Home prices are still strong overall, and while we saw some crazy price jumps after the pandemic, things are trending back toward affordability. In other words, real estate is still one of the best investments you can make—it’s just about knowing how to navigate today’s market.

2025 KWFR

For Buyers: What You Need to Know

If you’re thinking about buying, here’s some good news for you:

Price Stability – Even though the number of homes sold is lower, the overall market is still moving. In fact, 2024 saw $2.2 trillion in home sales—making it the third-best year on record. That tells us that home values aren’t falling off a cliff.

More Negotiation Power – We’re seeing more price reductions—from 24% of listings in early 2024 to 31% in early 2025. That means more room to negotiate and better deals for buyers! And as more inventory hits the market, that trend should continue.

Real Estate is a Long-Term Game – If you’re waiting for the “perfect” time to buy—you might be waiting forever. The truth is, real estate appreciates over time, and the sooner you get in, the better your long-term returns. Like Jay Papasan (one of the smartest guys in the business) said, “Don’t wait to buy real estate. Buy real estate and wait.”

Bottom line? If you find the right home at the right price and it fits your budget, don’t be afraid to go for it!

For Sellers: What to Expect

If you’re thinking about selling, you can still win in this market—you just have to be strategic.

Homes Are Taking Longer to Sell – With fewer buyers in the market, homes aren’t flying off the shelves overnight like they did a couple of years ago. That means pricing right from the start is more important than ever. Overpricing will just cause your home to sit longer and force price cuts later.

Less Transactions, More Volume – There are fewer deals happening, but when they do, they’re still moving big dollar amounts. This means there’s still demand, but buyers are being more selective—so you’ve got to stand out.

Stay Positive & Work with the Right Agent – The long-term outlook is still strong for real estate. Home values hold steady over time, and working with an experienced agent (hi!) can help you price, market, and sell your home the right way.

Final Thoughts: There’s Still Opportunity!

I know the market feels uncertain right now, but here’s the truth: there’s never a “bad” time to buy or sell—only a bad strategy.

If you’re buying, now’s the time to negotiate strong and take advantage of price reductions. If you’re selling, it’s all about smart pricing and great marketing to attract serious buyers.

The best thing you can do? Stay informed, get good advice, and don’t let fear make your decisions for you. If you have questions, we’re here to help—whether you’re buying, selling, or just trying to make sense of it all.

‘Tis the season for New Year’s resolutions! Joanne and I began our New Year’s Day by reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for 2025. I wanted to share some strategies and questions to make your goal-setting process more meaningful. Before diving into the details, let’s explore a few methods to ensure your resolutions truly stick.

Proven Strategies for Goal-Setting Success
Did you know that writing your goals down can increase your chances of achieving them by 40% to 50%? There’s something powerful about putting pen to paper—it engages your subconscious mind and helps clarify what you genuinely want. Typing on your phone or computer just isn’t the same! Once you’ve written your goals, share them with someone who can hold you accountable. Talking about your plans with a trusted friend or partner makes it much more likely you’ll follow through, especially if they check in on your progress.
Now that you’re ready to write down your goals and share them, there’s an important first step to take: reflection. It’s a step many of us skip, but it’s essential for setting intentions that truly matter.

A Crucial First Step: Reflect on the Past
Before you start setting goals, take some time to reflect on 2024. This step not only helps you identify areas for growth but also allows you to build on the successes and lessons of the past year. Joanne and I started our reflection with these two simple but impactful questions:

1. What brought you joy in 2024? Take a positive approach by recalling the moments and people that made you happy. Looking through the photos on your phone can help jog your memory and remind you of what you’d like to continue or expand in 2025.
2. What were your biggest challenges in 2024, and what did you learn from them? Reflecting on difficulties can reveal your resilience and highlight valuable lessons. Recognizing your growth can inspire you to set ambitious but achievable goals for the year ahead.

A Look Further Back: Your Biggest Memory of 2023
Here’s a fun challenge: try to recall your most significant memory from 2023. It’s surprising how quickly memories fade! Reflecting on this can help you focus on what truly matters for 2025. Before you start scrolling through old photos, take a moment to see what comes to mind naturally—it’s a great way to gauge what made the biggest impact on you.

Clarifying Your Vision for 2025
Once you’ve reflected on the past, it’s time to look ahead. Start by asking yourself a few key questions:
* What problems do you most want to solve? Identify small, actionable habits to address these problems. For example, if you want to stop snacking late at night, consider setting an alarm as a reminder or replacing the habit with something positive, like reading a book upstairs away from the kitchen.
* What discipline do you need support with?
* Which relationships need your focus in 2025?
Finally, take a moment to imagine your perfect day in 2025. Create two versions: one for a weekday and one for a weekend. Be realistic—your perfect day should reflect your current responsibilities and lifestyle. For instance, if driving your daughter to school is part of your routine, include that in your weekday scenario. Add as much detail as possible, from the time you wake up to when you go to bed.

Turning Reflection into Action
After answering these questions, you’ll have a clearer picture of what you want to achieve. Writing out your goals in specific categories can be helpful—think financial, business, personal, relationships, spiritual, and health. But remember, goals don’t have to be long lists of bullet points. Lately, Joanne and I have focused on setting goals that bring us joy and bring us closer to living our perfect day more often.
As a couple, supporting each other’s aspirations has deepened our connection. Helping Joanne achieve her goals brings me happiness, and together, we prioritize who we’re becoming, not just what we’re accomplishing.

Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet
The start of a new year is a chance to reflect, dream, and take action. Whether you’re tackling big goals or small habits, I hope these strategies help you approach 2025 with clarity and purpose. Here’s to a year filled with growth, joy, and meaningful progress!

In this Agent Spotlight video meet Heather Woodruff, a dedicated buyer’s agent on the Curtin Team. Originally from Boston, Heather made the exciting move to Georgia with her family, bringing her extensive real estate experience from the Boston market to the vibrant communities of Alpharetta, Roswell, and East Cobb.

Heather shares her journey of restarting her business in Georgia and the joy she finds in exploring her new surroundings. The move has brought her closer to extended family, and she loves the friendly atmosphere and beautiful spring weather of the South.

Before embarking on her real estate career, Heather was a pediatric physical therapist. Her passion for helping others seamlessly transitioned into real estate when she sold her own home and fell in love with the process. This inspired her to make a significant career change and become a realtor.

Heather holds several special designations in real estate, including being an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Real Estate Collaboration Specialist in Divorce (RCS-D), and certified Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE). Her genuine love for getting to know people and her attentive listening skills make her an exceptional agent who truly cares about her clients’ needs.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to the Curtin Team channel to stay updated on more enriching content like this!

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Hey Kids,

As you start exploring the world of real estate investment, I want to share some insights I’ve picked up over the years. Our hometown of Roswell offers opportunities for smart investments. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the real estate landscape and find your own path to success.

Roswell is famous for its beautiful historic homes, top-rated schools, and cool vibe. When thinking about investments, it’s important to understand what makes this area special. Check out market trends, property values, and neighborhood vibes. Keep an eye on new businesses, infrastructure projects, and zoning changes that can boost property values.

You’ve probably heard this a million times, but it’s true: location is everything in real estate. In Roswell, great locations often mean being close to excellent schools, parks, shopping centers, and restaurants. Look for properties in areas like Historic Roswell or nice established neighborhoods. A prime location can make a big difference in rental income and property value.

While Roswell has plenty to offer, it’s smart to diversify your real estate portfolio. Think about a mix of property types—single-family homes, townhouses, even commercial properties. Each type comes with its own perks and risks. Diversifying helps protect against market ups and downs and gives you a balanced approach to building wealth.

When looking at potential investments, check out the condition of the property. Older homes in Roswell might need some work, but they can be real gems if renovated properly. Look for places with room for improvement, like cosmetic updates or expansions. Investing in well-maintained properties or those with high potential can really pay off.

Tap into the expertise of local Realtors (like your ol’ dad here), property managers, and contractors. Their knowledge can give you valuable insights and help you make smart decisions. Networking with these pros can also lead you to off-market deals and opportunities you might not find on your own.

While short-term gains are tempting, real estate is often most rewarding when you think long-term. Consider how property values might appreciate over time and look for areas with strong growth potential. Buy real estate and wait, time will do the rest. Even if you don’t get a screaming deal when you purchase,over time you’re investment will continue to increase. Roswell’s mix of historic charm and modern amenities makes it a great place for long-term investment. Hold onto properties that are likely to grow in value and provide steady rental income. Don’t be tempted to sell with market ups and downs, stay the course.

The real estate market is always changing, so staying informed is crucial. Keep up with local market trends, economic factors, and zoning law changes. Attend local real estate seminars and join investment groups to stay connected and learn new things. Being adaptable and ready to tweak your strategy based on market conditions will help you stay ahead.

Financing is a big part of real estate investment. Explore different options like traditional mortgages, home equity loans, and private lenders. Knowing the terms and conditions of each option and developing trusted relationships with lenders will help you make the best financial decisions. Keep an eye on interest rates and loan conditions, as they can greatly impact your returns. Sometimes it makes sense to buy and lock in a longer term low rate even if the price isn’t great.

Real estate investment isn’t just about making money; it’s also about improving quality of life. Think about how your investments can benefit the community and enhance your own quality of life. Treat your tenants and property well and this will pay dividends over time and lead to sustainable and rewarding investments.

Investing in real estate offers a unique mix of opportunities and rewards. By understanding the market, focusing on prime locations, diversifying your investments, and leveraging local expertise, you can build a successful real estate portfolio. Stay informed, think long-term, and remember the importance of quality of life. With these principles in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making smart and rewarding real estate investments.

I’m so proud of you for taking this step. Remember, this journey is as much about learning and growing as it is about financial success. Trust your instincts, stay curious, and never hesitate to ask for advice. Don’t wait to buy real estate, buy real estate and wait. Here’s to your future success!

With love and wisdom,

Dad

There are several reasons why someone might want to buy a house in Roswell, GA. Firstly, Roswell is a growing city with a strong real estate market, making it a smart investment for those looking to purchase property. The city’s population has been steadily increasing in recent years, indicating a strong demand for housing. Additionally, Roswell has a diverse range of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm, providing a range of options for prospective buyers. Whether you’re looking for a historic home in the heart of downtown or a newer build in a suburban development, here’s a list of 50 things you might not know about buying a house in Roswell.

1. The average home price in Roswell is $502,000, according to Redfin.

2. Roswell has a total area of 42.0 square miles.

3.. Roswell is located 22 miles north of Atlanta.

4. Roswell has a population of approximately 94,000 people.

5. As of April 2023, the median home price in Roswell, Georgia is approximately $490,000.

6. The city of Roswell is known for its historic downtown district, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

7. The Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market is a popular local attraction that takes place every Saturday from April through October.

8. Roswell has been recognized as one of the best places to live in Georgia, and was named one of the top 100 places to live in the US by Money magazine in 2019.

9. The city has a highly rated school system, with several elementary, middle, and high schools serving the area.

10. Due to its proximity to Atlanta, Roswell residents have access to a wide range of employment opportunities.

11. The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is located in Roswell.

12. Roswell was founded in 1839 and is the eighth largest city in Georgia.

13. The average commute time in Roswell is 29.2 minutes.

14. The Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market is held every Saturday from April to October.

15. The Roswell Roots Festival is held every February to celebrate Black history.

16. The Roswell Arts Festival is held every September.

17. The Roswell Memorial Day Ceremony is held every year to honor veterans.

18. The Roswell Cultural Arts Center hosts concerts, plays, and other events throughout the year.

19. The Roswell Park System includes 18 parks and facilities.

20. The Roswell Area Park includes a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a dog park, walking trails and multiple sports fields.

21. The Vickery Creek Trail is a popular hiking trail in Roswell.

22. The Big Creek Greenway is a popular trail for biking, walking, and running.

23. The Chattahoochee River provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking.

24. Roswell is home to several golf courses, including the Country Club of Roswell and Brookfield Golf Club.

25. The Roswell Ghost Tour takes visitors on a spooky journey through the city’s haunted sites.

26. The Roswell Beer Festival is held every March.

27. The Roswell Wine Festival is held every October.

28. The Roswell Restaurant Week is held every January.

29. The Roswell Farmers Market is open every Saturday from April to October.

30. The median home price in Roswell range from around $200,000 to over $2 million.

31. The most popular style of homes in Roswell are single-family homes, but there are also townhomes, condos, and luxury properties available.

32. Roswell is home to several historic homes and landmarks, including the Archibald Smith Plantation Home, which dates back to the 1830s.

33. The city has a strong economy, with several large employers in the area, including Kimberly-Clark and UPS.

34. The city has a well-developed infrastructure, including excellent transportation options and high-speed internet access.

35. Homeowners in Roswell are required to pay an annual stormwater fee to help maintain the city’s drainage system.

36. The cost of utilities in Roswell is relatively low compared to other cities in the Atlanta area.

37. Roswell has a diverse dining scene and over 100 restaurnats, with options ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. The city is known for its Southern-style cuisine, but there are also international options available.

Roswell a great place to put down roots and build a life. If you’d like a tour of all that Roswell has to offer, please reach out to us!

What You Need to Know About Vacation Property Investments in Blue Ridge, GA

Have you ever considered purchasing a vacation rental or short-term rental (Airbnb/VRBO) property? You’ve probably heard many others talk about this. If you’re like me, what you’ve heard about these properties sounds too good to be true, but you may have also heard others having terrible experiences with these investments. Short term rental opportunities are starting to diminish, yet if you’re going to enjoy your purchase in addition to renting it, it’s a lifestyle investment. While interest rates have increased and made payments higher, will it be worth more if you intend to hold for 7-10 years?

We have researched many areas and discovered that Blue Ridge, Georgia offers the most benefits for short term rental investment for buyers in the Atlanta area. Here are my top six reasons for why this could be.

1. Blue Ridge has year-round rental appeal. There are activities to enjoy in every season. Summer: Lake Blue Ridge, world-class whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River, or fly fishing on the Toccoa River are popular attractions. Fall: Foliage brings guests to the area and local festivals draw large crowds. Winter: Light Up Blue Ridge festival, Santa Express on the Blue Ridge Railway. Year-round: Trout Fishing – Fannin County is the Trout Capital of Georgia. There’s also mountain biking year-round with an abundance of trails from easy to difficult. Mercier Orchards is the largest orchard in the south. The orchard draws visitors year-round, peaking during apple picking season. Hiking: There are over 300 miles of trails and 16 beautiful waterfalls in the area.
2. Over the holidays, there’s strong demand for cabins where family and friends can come together for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays in a group setting. Year-round, there is an abundance of hiking. There are over 300 miles of trails in the area! The panhandle/30A area is popular with Atlanta buyers looking to host; however, it is very seasonal and generally limited to spring break and a few months during the summer. It can be extremely difficult to ever turn a profit.
3. Taxes: Fannin County property taxes are much lower than taxes in other counties and especially less than in the state of Florida.
4. Downtown Blue Ridge: The town is a draw for many reasons. The Historic Blue Ridge Railroad, dining, shopping, and nightlife all draw crowds. There’s an artsy vibe with many galleries. The Blue Ridge Railroad offers seasonal trips as well, such as the Firecracker Special and Santa Express. The appeal of downtown Blue Ridge is broad reaching and not reliant on one attraction. This ensures you have guests interested in visiting at all times.
5. Wineries: There are very nice wineries in the area. There are also winery tours (and craft brew tours, too). From a short-term rental benefit perspective, this brings in groups of friends coming for a fun weekend to tour the wineries, who generally will rent a cabin together.
6. Blue Ridge supports tourism. Some local governments look to control or even eliminate short term rentals by adding restrictions or large fees. The Blue Ridge economy is driven by tourism and the local government supports it. Currently, Blue Ridge requires you to obtain a Short Term Rental Certificate. The cost is minimal at $25 per year.

I have personally invested in both beach and mountain vacation properties, and Blue Ridge has been the best for us. Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall — the Blue Ridge Mountains are beautiful. We wanted to confidently help our clients invest in Blue Ridge as well. To do so, we have partnered with Tracy Krohn. Tracy has a wealth of local knowledge, having grown up here and worked in the area extensively. Tracy personally owns a vacation rental in Blue Ridge and she can help you understand recent rental income trends and operating expenses so you can make an informed investment decision. If you want to explore the area and learn more, connect with us and we’ll connect you with Tracy to get started!

The Curtin Team’s CEO, Tom Curtin and Director of Sales, Christy Smith explain the benefits of mortgage rate buy downs for buyers and sellers. Like many practices in the world of Real Estate, mortgage hacks depend on Buyer/Seller goals, timelines, and preferences. Buy-downs are unique, though, because they offer direct benefits to both Buyers and Sellers in the short term and long term. They allow houses to be sold more efficiently, less stress with high monthly payments for Buyers, and less interest payment over time. If you are in the market to either buy or sell a home, don’t forget that there are ways for you to save money during the process.

Raise your hand if you know what a 1031 Exchange is.
Anyone?

If you’re a real estate investor, we’re betting YOU’RE raising your hands. Both of them.
We always say that there’s no greater investment than real estate. That’s true whether you’re buying a home in which you can live or whether you’re buying homes to hold as actual investments, not unlike buying stocks or bonds.
Investors—just like The Curtin Team—know that homes are great sources of equity, not to mention boons for their tax returns, paths to greater cash flow, better diversification of their portfolios, and great ways to counter the effects of inflation.
Real estate is a GREAT investment.

But what happens when it’s time to sell an investment property?

That’s a tricky question and if you don’t have a REALTOR who’s well-versed in how to handle these transactions, you could be left holding the bag (which could be woefully free of money).
When you have a REALTOR who understands real estate investment, however, and the intricacies of a 1031 exchange, you’ll be sitting pretty when all is said and done.
With a 1031 exchange, an investor can sell a property, reinvest the proceeds, and defer ALL capital gains taxes. That’s right, ALL. To give an example, if you sold a property and had $200,000 in capital gains, you’d be subject to taxes of around $70,000, meaning you’d only have about $130,000 left to invest in a new property. After making a down payment and assuming an LTV (loan-to-value) ratio of 75%, that means you’d be able to buy a new property worth about $520,000.
But with a 1031 exchange, you’d be able to use the entire $200,000. If you had the same down payment and LTV as we cited in the previous example, you could buy a property worth about $800,000.

If you think the 1031 exchange sounds like a great idea, you’re right.
But it’s crucial—CRUCIAL—that your REALTOR understands the rules and regulations related to these exchanges. If they don’t, you could find yourself in financial hot water, and nobody wants that. There are dates and deadlines to which investors must adhere, or they’re forced to pay penalties.

The Curtin Team is well-versed in 1031 exchanges and understands their ins and outs; we know that when your investments are on the line, there’s no room for error, no time for dilly-dally. We make sure that your investments—your hard-earned money—are protected.

If you’re interested in investing in real estate and have questions, or if you’re thinking of selling an investment property, talk to us. We’re experienced with investors and will make sure your dollars are working as hard as they can for you, and that they’re kept safe.

The real estate market is constantly shifting. Do you know how to position yourself for success as a buyer or a seller? Our team of real estate experts will be available to answer your questions on August 10 at 10am (Eastern Time). Dial into our Zoom call and join us for an informative Q and A.

Register Here
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

You may have heard other investors, gurus and financial planners discussing the virtues of owning rental properties. And it is definitely true that a portfolio of GOOD rental properties can provide lifetime income and financial security. But what really makes a GOOD rental property? What should you expect from your rental portfolio and how do you manage it for maximum return on minimal effort? Tom and Joanne cover those points and more with real examples and data at this GRID meeting.

Join the online GRID community to post deals, ask questions, and connect with other investors across the globe. Tom and Joanne host a monthly meeting discussing a variety of topics so sign up for the entire year! And don’t worry if you can’t make it, you can get a link to the recording so you don’t miss any valuable information. www.gridinvestor.com/atlantanorth