We find out from the experts themselves what you really need to know when buying your dream home.

Jere Metcalf

Associate Broker

Starting from the ground up, Jere Metcalf has made a name for herself in the Atlanta real estate world. She’s been named best real estate agent in Atlanta and her prosperous business takes pride in serving clients first. Three years ago, she launched the weekly Jere Metcalf Podcast, where top real estate agents from all around chat about their business and success.

Q: What most people don’t know about real estate is… how much work goes on behind the scenes to make a deal happen and how kind, hardworking and generous of heart most real estate agents are, especially the good ones.

Q: When preparing a home to list, always... consider what the buyer will pay for what the buyer wants. Remember, just as in life, it is the smallest gestures and efforts that so often make the biggest impact.

Q: Every home benefits from a... loving homeowner. When selling, the homes most loved by their sellers always sell best!

Q: The three most important things to consider when buying a home are... what you really want, not what everyone else wants. What lifestyle do I truly prefer? And what home will in reality complement my preferred lifestyle?

Q: When touring a listing, always check the... That’s a loaded question. The easiest and most simple answer is the seller disclosure, the sales history and the sales competition. In short, know and understand the market trajectory of the homes in the neighborhood and the style of home you are buying.

Q: My favorite feature in a home is... If I had to choose, it would be high ceilings. You can change anything else.

Q: The hottest hood in town right now is... So many are hot! Brookhaven, the Westside, Poncey-Highland and ALWAYS Buckhead.

Q: The next neighborhood to watch is… all of them, especially with the trajectory of the market and things moving so fast.

Q: The real estate trend emerging now is... featuring smaller homes with more main-level space for a home office and usable outdoor space. The interiors are trending to more and more texture, contrast and color.

Chase Mizell

Real Estate Agent

Chase Mizell’s career has given him a prestigious reputation throughout Atlanta. He has represented some of the city’s most prominent Fortune 500 leaders, and even sports and entertainment personalities as well. Mizell recently sold the most expensive home in Atlanta history, proving his deserved spot as a top luxury agent in town.

Q: What most people don’t know about real estate is… it’s one of
the best long-term investments one can make.

Q: When preparing a home to list, always... consult with a stager, even if your home is professionally decorated. And make sure all your closets and storage spaces are sparse and neatly organized.

Q: Every home benefits from a... fresh coat of paint. The easiest and most cost-effective way of making your home feel new and more current is fresh paint.

Q: The three most important things to consider when buying a home are... location, location, location. When a market downturn occurs, homes in more desirable locations are resistant to depreciation. When a buyer is considering a purchase, location is always at the top of the criteria.

Q: When touring a listing, always check the... grade of the lot in relation to the foundation of the house. Water intrusion issues are expensive and persistent. You want to make sure that the natural flow of water is away from the foundation of the home. The most expensive home repairs pertain to foundation issues caused by water.

Q: My favorite feature in a home is... the outdoor living. Atlanta has phenomenal weather for enjoying the outdoors, and there’s nowhere I would rather be than a screened-in porch, covered patio or poolside.

Q: The hottest hoods in town right now are... Buckhead and intown neighborhoods such as Ansley Park, Virginia-Highland, Morningside and Old Fourth Ward. Any neighborhood that has easy access to the BeltLine and neighborhood parks is selling really well right now.

Q: The next neighborhood to watch is... the Westside. The Westside Park at Bellwood Quarry is proving to be a huge attraction for homebuyers.

Q: The real estate trend emerging now is... resort-style living. With the recent pandemic, parents have been forced to work from home, and kids are now being home schooled. Compounded by the inability to travel both domestically and abroad, homebuyers are searching for properties that offer grounds with all the bells and whistles, including pools, spas, large play yards and privacy.