Newlyweds and New Graduates – Are you ready to be a homeowner?

There are many factors that are drawing young homeowners into the Atlanta real estate market: low prices, you can get a lot more house for you money in this market; a wide variety of options, there are many new homes in the market ideal for first-time homebuyers in some of Atlanta’s most sought-after locations, even ITP; and, of course, the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit. Yet, even with all of these spectacular incentives, many new college graduates and young couples are hesitant about whether or not purchasing a home is a smart decision. So, we want to make it easier for these young homebuyers to decide whether or not now is the time to take the plunge.

First and foremost, you need to make sure this house is somewhere you will be living for at least five years. If you have plans to move in two years, then purchasing a home now would not be a wise investment.

Also, ensure you have job security. It is incredibly important to have a steady income to make those monthly mortgage payments and you don’t want to be caught high and dry.

Do you have enough money for a down payment? Moneylenders are stearing clear of loans that have very low down payments or none at all, so in this market you need to make sure you can fork over a sizeable down payment.

And, of course, take a look at your current debt. Are you managing your debt well? Is the amount of debt you have overwhelming? If you are only paying the minimum payments on your bills every month, then this wouldn’t be the time to purchase a house, but if you are paying principal on these loans and credit cards every month and reducing the amount you owe on a monthly basis, then you may be ready to stop paying rent to someone else.

So, what homes are first-time home buyers purchasing in Atlanta? You have so many options available to you that you are certain to find exactly what you are looking for. Here are a couple examples just to get you started:

• Brynfield, which offers beautiful new homes in Suwanee. This community from Bowen Family Homes features homes priced from $159,900 to the $300’s. What’s really great about Brynfield is that the community offers both townhomes and single-family homes. So whether your job and life keeps you really busy and you want a low-maintenance lifestyle or you would love to spend the weekends landscaping, Brynfield has got a home for you.
• Liberty Park is the number one selling townhome community in Fulton County. These beautiful intown Atlanta new homes are affordably priced from the $150’s and offer a convenient location inside the Perimeter. Built by Sharp Residential, you can find exceptional features incorporated into each home, and the community includes a gated entrance with guard for added security as well as other amenities.