Realtors in South Fulton, Paulding, and McIntosh counties in Georgia are reporting strong market conditions due to continuing low interest rates, good community planning and affordable buys in housing.

South Fulton County

"Overall market conditions for South Fulton remain strong and vibrant for several different sectors including first-time homebuyers, buyers "moving-up" to the $200-$350K price range, and investors seeking to capitalize on historically low interest rates," says 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 explains, "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. 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 South Fulton. 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, and the local economy will continue to grow 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," says Culley.

Paulding County

"Situated west of Cobb County and only 25 minutes from Atlanta," say Realtors Phil and Tasha Ball, "Paulding County is close to everything you need but still has enough wide open spaces that you can find peace and quiet with ease. Paulding County is growing at an astounding rate. We've have been told that it ranks in the top 10 most rapidly growing areas of the United States. Since Paulding County is in such demand, residents have enjoyed remarkable appreciation of their properties."

McIntosh County

Says Realtor Guerry Norwood, "A rural community of 9,500, the area is rich in history and magnificent wetlands. Commercial fishing and forestry are the largest employers. Sapelo Island is largely state-owned and protected from development. The island is a National Esturine Reserve and houses the University of Georgia Marine Institute. Former owner and tobacco magnate R.J. Reynold's "Big House" is still maintained by the state. Hog Hamock, owned and inhabited by descendants of plantation slaves along with "Chocolate", a former plantation, are among the many sights of interest. Tours and passage by ferry can be arranged at the Sapelo Welcome Center. Darien, settled in 1736 by Scottish Highlanders, is the county seat. Located on the Darien River many shrimp fishing boats dock at the waterfront."

Norwood continues, "During the 1800's Darien was a leading seaport on the east coast. Timber was floated down the Altamaha from middle Georgia. The lumber was cut by steam driven sawmills and loaded onto timber schooners. By the 1920's the industry died due to overcutting. Fort King George was the first fort on Georgia soil, built by the English in 1721 as a barrier against the Spaniards in Florida. The fort is located on the lower bluff in Darien. The historic site is open Tuesday through Sunday and offers re-enactments and special events during the year.The McIntosh County, Georgia real estate market for single-family homes has been very active recently. During the second quarter of 2004, 11 properties were sold with an average sale price of $156,625. The quarterly average list price was $164,095."

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Published: September 3, 2004

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