[fusion_text]Consumer Reports recently published an informative article regarding the State of Real Estate market. While we typically focus on our pocket in the North Atlanta market it is important from time to time to review national trends and dynamics.

Spill over effect from the 2008 housing market collapse seems to be the undertone causing the current supply and demand issue that is seen not only in our local North Atlanta market but in a number of markets throughout the United States. Lingering underwater ownership in certain markets still persists and headwinds for first time buyers are key factors.
Highlights from the report worth noting are:
* 13% of the homeowners still owe more than what their home is worth ~ 2x what is considered normal but down from 2008

* First time buyers face fewer choices

* A National Research Center survey of 1,573 millennials showed just 26% own a home and 71% aspire to do so ~ WOW!

* Millennials see privacy and wealth building as top reasons to owning a home but lacking a down payment seems to be the biggest obstacle
While we continue to see strength in our local North Atlanta market, there are pockets of $500k+ neighborhoods that are still lagging behind the overall trend. We will continue to pay close attention to the trends and provide frequent updates via our website and social media as well as our quarterly print newsletter that goes to over 3,000 homeowners![/fusion_text]