Our real estate agents at Josey Young & Brady Realty have made it easier than ever to explore the best Atlanta homes for sale. No matter what time of year it is, we give you the winning advantage with accurate advice you can count on.

Real estate markets are built on cycles. There are small cycles that affect only one neighborhood or community, and bigger ones that impact the entire country. One of the most important is the cycle of transaction activity in real estate.

Spring is usually the busiest time of year for buying and selling a house in Atlanta. That means the competition is higher for the best properties. It's even more important than usual to make sure you have a bidding plan in mind before you contact a buyer.

As with any other purchase, lots of factors go into pricing. While price is never an exact science, a seller who has retained the services of a leading real estate agent is much more likely to price a property in a way that reflects its fair market value.

Connecting with sellers whose price point is already reasonable can help you avoid dealing with unrealistic price demands. Still, negotiating is an art. Psychology and persuasive powers play a role. So does strategy. Your real estate agent can help with all of the above!

Let's consider some of the most effective bidding strategies in a competitive market:

1. Get Pre-Approved by a Local Lender
   The key word here is local. With a pre-approval letter from a local lender in hand, you look like a sure thing compared to the alternative: Prospective buyers using a potentially unreliable online lender. A bank or mortgage lender well known within the community is your best bet.
   
   
2. Emphasize Your Needs, Not the Seller's
   No matter whether the home is a foreclosure, short sale, or even FSBO, keep your eyes on the prize. Develop a firm list of the features and amenities you expect from both your home and the neighborhood. This keeps you from getting caught up in the heat of the moment.
   
   
3. Look at a Home's Actual Value
   Since pricing can fluctuate based on the owner's opinion of the home, let your real estate agent show you what a property may actually be worth. A comparative market analysis uses data from active, pending, and sold listings to verify home values within an area.
   
   
4. Give the Seller Something Special
   Negotiation isn't all about price. Purchase offers are very complex, and there are many benefits you could put on the table for the prospective seller. Your real estate pro can offer you all kinds of cost-effective suggestions that may tip the balance in your favor.
   
   
5. Hire a Real Estate Agent You Can Trust
   When all is said and done, all real estate is local. As you look for the best real estate agent for you, be sure you're talking to a true expert on the local market. He or she should be able to answer all of your questions completely and put you at ease.
   
   

Josey Young & Brady Realty Will Fight for Your Interests in a Tough Market

Let's face it – not everyone enjoys bidding, negotiating, and the ambiguity it all implies.

With our years of experience, Josey Young & Brady Realty is ready to work on your behalf. We partner with you to understand your needs, then deliver. We'll always support you with the best market insights, but we can also step in to help you bid and negotiate.

Contact us to learn more. We'll be glad to assist you.