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THIS ISSUE

A MESSAGE from the president

A CLEARER HORIZON AHEAD

During a recent 50 Large Firm Directors Forum Meeting, a gathering of the nation’s top real estate companies — which we are proudly part of — I had the opportunity to hear directly from NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun. As we reflect on the latest economic and housing data presented by Yun, it’s important to take stock of where we are and more importantly, where we’re going. His insights reinforced what many of us are beginning to feel: The real estate market is on the cusp of a rebound.

NATIONAL OUTLOOK:

The past two years have tested every corner of our industry. Existing home sales dipped significantly in 2023 and early 2024, placing pressure on all of us to adapt and remain resilient. However, the tide is turning. Dr. Yun’s forecast projects a 6% increase in existing home sales for 2025, followed by an 11% increase in 2026. Meanwhile, new home sales are expected to jump 10% this year, signaling fresh opportunities for both buyers and agents.

We’re also seeing home price appreciation steady around 3% in 2025, a pace that’s healthy and sustainable. While mortgage rates remain elevated at 6.4%, many economists anticipate moderation as inflation trends downward—already nearing the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.

GEORGIA MARKET HIGHLIGHTS:

Closer to home, Georgia’s real estate market is showing promising signs based on recent GAR data:

• Median Sales Price: Increased by 5% year-over-year to $365,000.

• Inventory Levels: Rose by 38%, providing more options for buyers.

• Closed Sales: Up by 7% compared to the previous year, indicating strong market activity.

• Days on Market: Decreased by 5% to an average of 40 days, reflecting quicker sales.

KEY POSITIVES TO KEEP IN MIND:

• Job Market Strength Continues: With 228,000 payroll jobs added in March and 1.6 million more expected in 2025.

• Wage Growth Outpacing Inflation: Improving affordability and consumer confidence.

• Homeowner Equity at an All-Time High: Supporting continued consumer spending and minimal foreclosures even amidst economic uncertainty.

• Buyer Demand Resurging: Especially in the mid-to-high price ranges.

Yes, inventory is still tight, but that scarcity presents an opportunity: Your guidance, market knowledge, and client care have never been more valuable. We are helping people navigate a complex market and that is a privilege we must embrace.

Let’s stay informed, stay connected, and above all, stay encouraged. We’ve weathered the storm and the sun is beginning to shine through.

INDUSTRY NEWS

ROSWELL AND ATHENS AMONG 100 BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN THE U.S.

For the 12th year running, Livability.com has released its Top 100 Best Places to Live list, and in 2025, two standout Georgia cities— Roswell and Athens—secured spots among the nation’s best. Rather than ranking the cities from 1 to 100, this year’s edition features an interactive format that allows users to prioritize what matters most to them.

Roswell earned a LivScore of 838 out of 1,000—the highest score for economy—thanks to a strong job market in healthcare, tech, and manufacturing, along with high marks for hospitals and amenities. Meanwhile, Athens made its debut on the list with a LivScore of 646, recognized for its outdoor environment and public transportation options. [ANF]

ATLAS FILES FOR 428-ACRE TECHNOLOGY AND DATA PARK IN VILLA RICA

Atlas Development LLC has proposed a significant new data center project in Villa Rica, Georgia, marking its third major initiative in the state this year. The company filed a Development of Regional Impact (DRI) application with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for a 428-acre technology and data park named “Avemore.” Situated along Highway 61, Hickory Level Road, and South Van Wert Road in Carroll County, the project is expected to commence its first phase in 2028.

Atlanta is a major data center hub with operators including Microsoft, CoreSite, QTS, DataBank, Flexential, Switch, DC Blox, Edged Energy, Stack, T5, Vantage, and EdgeConneX. Atlas Development’s continued investments underscore Georgia’s emergence as a key hub for data center expansion in the southeastern United States. [DCD]

EARN MORE REVIEWS WITH TESTIMONIAL TREE

Metro Brokers is always striving to provide agents with the best tools to grow their business and increase client trust. We recently added Testimonial Tree—a cutting-edge platform designed to make capturing and sharing client testimonials easier and more impactful than ever before— to the Metro Brokers arsenal, making the advantages even better!

Watch the training video!

Customer testimonials and online reviews are essential for turning consultations into closings. With Testimonial Tree, agents can streamline the process of gathering and showcasing positive client feedback, helping to build credibility and attract future buyers and sellers.

What You’ll Gain from Testimonial Tree:

• Automated testimonial requests sent to clients after every closing

• Expanded third-party review generation on platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, Google Business Profiles, and more

• Flexible review request options via email AND text message

• Seamless social media integration to auto-publish testimonials on Facebook and LinkedIn

• Moxi integration for easy sharing and enhanced marketing

• And much more!

A Homecoming Filled with Awards, Recognition, and Fun!

On March 12, hundreds of agents gathered at the Cobb Galleria for our annual Metro Brokers UNITE event where we celebrated our top agents. Our “Homecoming” theme let everyone come together to connect, celebrate their achievements, and share a sense of belonging. We spent the day celebrating everyone’s hard work and dedication with a hot breakfast, tons of prize giveaways, and amazing speakers.

Our top-producing agents are making waves in

the Georgia real estate market, distinguishing themselves through their exceptional performance and unparalleled dedication.

Metro Brokers and our preferred vendors gave away tons of prizes: TVs, Braves tickets, a Yeti cooler, and much more! Those who completed the Metro Mission by visiting all the booths in the vendor expo were entered into a drawing to win $250 CASH at the end of the event. We had four lucky winners for a total of $1,000 in CASH giveaways!

As always, everyone brought so much spirit to Metro Brokers UNITE! From the lively table setups to the popping streamer cannons and resounding cheers, it was extremely difficult to figure out who would win the Spirit Award.

Covington brought the energy and claimed FIRST PLACE — way to go! Right behind them, we had an epic SIX-WAY TIE for second place, with North Georgia Mountains, Villa Rica, Peachtree City, Paulding, Cascade, and Northlake all showing up strong!

Top Agents COMPANYWIDE

Congratulations to our Top Agents of 2024!

Top Individual Residential Sales Associate

the Year

CBC Metro Brokers Ranks

#1

LA’TEP GROUP

Top Team Residential Sales Associate

THE MELVIN BESARES TEAM

Top Partners Residential Sales Associates

Coldwell Banker Commercial Metro Brokers was named the #1 CBC single office nationwide and #4 globally – a huge testament to the strength, drive, and talent of our entire team!

Top Commercial Sales Associate Top Leasing Agent

Top Business Brokerage Agent

Numerous CBC associates were recognized during Metro Brokers UNITE on March 12. Ten associates received the Century Club Award, awarded to agents with over $100,000 in commercial GCI.

Scan to see the winners!

Top Assisted Residential Sales Associate

CBC Global Conference 2025

The 2025 Coldwell Banker Commercial Global Conference brought together leaders from across the nation for two days of learning, innovation, and recognition.

We were honored to have two of our own take the stage and represent CBC Metro Brokers.

Learning Lab: Best Practices from Our Best

Patrick Bell delivered a high-impact session focused on essential CRE concepts, market analysis, and foundational practices for success in commercial real estate.

Panel: Winning Strategies from Research & Business Development

Amit Grover shared real-world examples of how he leverages CBC Research to win business, offering tactical advice for brokers across the network.

WISELEY REAL ESTATE SOLUTIONS

KAREN LANCE

AUSTIN COSBY Rookie of

Metro Brokers attendees in Plano, Texas

AMIT GROVER

MICHAEL GOLKIN

–Music City Awaits Your Arrival!

Major Change Effective May 25

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has announced a change to its loan eligibility requirements, effective May 25, 2025. Under the new guidelines, only U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents will be eligible for FHA-insured financing.

Key Details of the Update

• Non-Permanent Residents No Longer Eligible: FHA will no longer insure loans for non-permanent residents.

Open to all agents in the BHGRE network, The Better Retreat: Unplugged will take place on October 19-22, 2025 at the JW Marriott in Nashville, TN.

At The Better Retreat: Unplugged, you’ll join hundreds of agents and leaders from across the BHGRE network in an environment designed to inspire and motivate. From expert-led sessions to laid-back networking and some truly memorable moments, this is your opportunity to learn, connect, and just be better.

Scan here for all the details!

AMERISPEC

• Permanent Residents: Borrowers must provide documentation proving lawful permanent resident status.

Citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Republic of Palau remain eligible under existing guidelines.

Further guidance on documentation requirements and potential impacts on the mortgage market is expected. Metro Brokers Financial (NMLS #163853) will keep you informed to ensure you understand how this change may affect financing options for your clients.

You can reach out to Metro Brokers Financial at 404.847.2525 for assistance.

We’re here to help!

All Atlanta AmeriSpec certified inspectors thoroughly check over 400 points in the home and provide a detailed, easy-to-understand report. A comprehensive inspection helps your seller fully understand the property and its value as you set the listing price. Knowing about any issues upfront can lead to cleaner offers and a smoother sale for both the seller and buyer.

Use All Atlanta AmeriSpec on your next listing and encourage your clients to attend the inspection for firsthand insights and to address any potential concerns immediately. This proactive approach will build trust and confidence, helping you secure successful transactions. Scan to learn more!

SPIRIT AWARD

At this year’s Metro Brokers UNITE event, our theme centered on each office representing its own “school,” bringing a sense of identity and friendly competition to the event. Just like homecoming week in high school, they went all out showcasing their office pride.

We had one clear winner and a SIX-WAY TIE for the Spirit Award this year. Our winners were...

#1 COVINGTON #2 6-WAY TIE:

• Cascade

• N. Georgia Mountains

• Northlake

• Paulding

• Peachtree City

• Villa Rica