The DeKalb, Georgia homebuying market is favoring first-time homebuyers and move-up buyers up to the $350K price range, say local Realtors.

"And investors are seeking to capitalize on historically low interest rates," suggests Realtor Mardell Culley. "With the current popularity of interest-only loans and competition among lenders, low-mortgage rates continue to fuel the housing market and mutually beneficial deals are being negotiated for both buyers and sellers."

Culley forecasts, "Looking ahead in 2004, there is plenty of evidence that our leaders and citizens will rise to the challenge of welcoming new residents while maintaining and improving our quality of life. The Quality Growth Task Force is analyzing and developing recommendations for responsible land use and quality growth throughout region, and The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is advancing the area's first transportation plan, called Mobility 2030. The plan identifies the most congested corridors, establishes goals to fix the worst first, and is recommending accountability and performance measures.Future area transportation projects include funding for commuter rail to encompass surrounding counties. The newly-created Regional Arts & Culture Leadership Alliance will begin to drive initiatives that will benefit and nurture the arts throughout the region including DeKalb. The Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, along with city and state legislature have agreed on guidelines to provide for the region's future water needs.

"The local economy will continue to grow," says Culley, "through entrepreneurs, as well as big corporations. By targeting innovative industries, our research universities offer immediate advantages to emerging fields, such as the biosciences and other technology. Internationally, our leaders have positioned Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to continue to be America's gateway for emerging nations and the transportation hub for the entire Southeast. As a resident for over 18 years, I can safely say we all own a piece of this region's future. Together we can be a guiding force."

Advises Realtor Thomas D. Cowan, "With interest rates still very low, anyone who can afford rent is a potential buyer of real estate. Even people who have credit issues or no money can qualify in most cases. As long as interest rates don't jump up, I see that owning a home will not be a dream for most but a reality."

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Published: February 2, 2004

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