Beazer Homes’ The Regency At River Vista Estates.

You’ve picked a great time to relocate to Metro Atlanta and buy a home. Because, right now, Atlanta is a hot market for home buyers. With builder incentives and great prices, interest rates at historic lows and a healthy supply of homes, the home buying market in Atlanta is as good as it gets.

Add to that the fact that buyers get more house for their money in Atlanta compared to other Metro areas, it is indeed an opportune time to move to the ATL and purchase a home. Atlanta has long offered a wide range of housing types, including single-family homes, townhomes, condos, lofts, master-planned, mixed-use, active adult, eco-friendly and more, but now is the time to snag a great deal on that Atlanta home that fits your lifestyle.

“It’s a wonderful time to buy in the Atlanta area for several reasons,” says Steve King, president of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, “including very low mortgage interest rates, a wide selection of housing types in all price ranges, and builder incentives one can also negotiate.”

“Prices are coming down,” agrees Steve Palm, president of SmartNumbers, which provides analysis and forecasting for the real estate industry. Palm notes that the median price for new construction is down four to five percent from last year. Combine this with weak demand, and buyers can expect abundant incentives. Not only are builders paying closing costs, but Palm says, “They are throwing in everything plus the kitchen sink.”

“With mortgage rates being at historic lows and home prices being down, it’s the perfect time to buy,” affirms Jim Alexander, president of the Atlanta Board of Realtors. “There really hasn’t been this type of market, where prices and mortgages are so right, since about 1989. And Atlanta has some of the best values for homes in the country. So, it’s a great time to purchase.”

In addition to market specifics, Alexander points out that through June 30, 2009, first-time home buyers (or those who haven’t owned a home in the past three years) can take advantage of a $7,500 federal tax credit, and “home ownership is, and will always be, one of the safest and most reliable ways to build personal wealth.”

“There is a very broad range of affordable and quality new homes in the Atlanta area, which covers nearly 30 counties,” says King. “So, there is plenty of choice for buyers in terms of deciding to live in an urban or suburban area.”

So, where can new home buyers find great deals? They won’t have to look very far. And these deals are not just for typical cookie-cutter homes; incredible deals also are offered on homes with unique floor plans and architectural designs, as well as amazing amenities.

For example, early this year, Brock Built of-fered to cover all closing costs for its inventory of homes at a number of area communities, including DuPont Commons, a master-planned community located five miles from Atlantic Station and Downtown. The community offers classic Craftsman single-family homes and townhomes from the $330s, with an award-winning clubhouse and fitness facility, Olympic-sized swimming pool, parks with picnic areas, playgrounds and sidewalks. Depending on model, homes may feature spacious patios, hardwood floors, double vanity, ceramic tile and trey ceilings.

Another intown Brock Built community, The Commons, has advertised a $20,000 buyer incentive. The neighborhood offers historic brownstone architecture combined with modern, fresh interiors minutes from the Georgia Dome, the heart of Downtown Atlanta and within walking distance to the Atlanta University Center. The three-story, three-bedroom townhomes priced from the mid-$200s feature hardwoods, private decks, granite countertops in kitchen, garden tubs and separate showers.

A Ryland Homes Sales Event promised either 50 percent off Design Center options up to $25,000, up to $7,500 toward closing costs, price protection or “low monthly payments.” Ryland offers a variety of communities in the Metro area, including single-family homes at James Creek in Cumming from the $260s, Canterbury in Marietta from the mid-$300s and Centennial Lakes in Acworth from the $220s. These three communities all have amazing amenities, including nature trails, pools, tennis courts and more.

Likewise, the McCar Homes’ Web site promises “special incentives on luxury homes” and “savings up to $32,000.” McCar communities include Kingsbridge Point, just minutes from Downtown Atlanta and Vinings. Offering the Premier and Preserve Collections with a new look—carriage-style garage doors and shake shingle accents—single-family homes at Kingsbridge start from the $290s. A playground, lighted sidewalks, pool and cabana add to the appeal.

In the newly revitalized Lithonia area, Mc- Car’s Keystone Gates offers two-story townhomes from the $130s. Close to I-20 and I-285, the gated community features homes with floor plans offering up to three bedrooms and 1,654 square feet, as well as one- or two-car garages. Resort-style amenities include a pool with cabana, playground and 15 acres of green space.

Other builders may not overtly advertise deals, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t available. Beazer Homes, for one, simply suggests buyers call to learn more about incentives. Its communities include Dresden Creek, a unique gated community of townhomes located in Buckhead. The community is convenient to shopping at Lenox Mall and Phipps Plaza, local restaurants and entertainment. Prices begin in the $300s, and homes include three to four bedrooms, 2.5 to 3.5 baths, plus a finished flex space on the lower level and two-car garage. Other features include site-finished hardwood floors on the main level and granite kitchen countertops. Amenities include a pool with a cabana.

Similarly, Beazer’s single-family homes at Atlantic Station are located just steps from shopping, restaurants and entertainment. The homes, ranging between 2,876 and 3,161 square feet, feature custom cabinets, huge granite island and stainless steel appliances in the gourmet kitchen. The owner’s suite features Victorian- style bathtub, tile, huge separate shower with vertical spa jets and granite countertops. Single-family homes begin in the $600s; there are also townhomes from the $400s.

	Beazer’s luxury Atlantic Station townhomes.

Note that most of the offers described above are limited-time and are representative of the kinds of deals available. Be sure to check with builders for current deals and offers. However, these prices won’t last forever.

“I really think we have hit the bottom for most markets,” says Alexander. “I see homes in nice areas increasing in value in the next six to 14 months.”

Of course, financial deals aren’t the only incentives for buying in the Atlanta area. “One of the most attractive reasons to live in Atlanta is its temperate climate, which allows for outdoor activities nearly year-round,” says King. “Buyers can find activities such as golf, tennis, swimming and equestrian at Atlanta’s homes and neighborhoods, and they’ll also come across plenty of homes that emphasize the outdoors through incredible decks, patios, sunrooms and other living spaces. During spring and summer, when flowers and trees are in bloom, you’ll see some of the most colorful and best kept lawns in the country.”

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