6 Essential Real Estate Considerations in Atlanta

Atlanta is one of the United States’ most vibrant and culturally rich cities, with a bustling art, music, and food scene. It boasts a reasonable cost of living, and its economy is among the largest in the country. In 2024, it was named the second-best place to live in the U.S., and it’s earned similar accolades in the past. 

It’s no wonder you proudly call this place home (or want to). Whether you’re a homeowner hoping to sell your current Atlanta property or a buyer seeking a top-notch ATL find, you’ll want to understand the ins and outs of this beloved city’s real estate market.

This guide to essential real estate considerations in Atlanta will help you understand housing trends, decide where to put down roots, and navigate other facets of buying and selling property in the region.

It’s a dynamic local market 

Real estate markets can be unpredictable, and Atlanta’s is no exception. According to a report aimed at global investors, Atlanta’s housing market is more dynamic than others. So, if you’re planning on buying or selling in the region, it’s wise to keep your finger on the pulse of the situation, researching pricing, trends, and inventory. For reference, here are some key Atlanta market trends at the time of this article. 

• The median sale price is roughly $430,000, which is lower than the national average.

• Real estate prices are up 4.7 percent from 2023 to 2024.

• Homes spend an average of 44 days on the market (up from 27 days in 2023).

• The number of homes sold in a recent month was around 770.

• The cost of living in Atlanta falls 2 percent below the national average. 

• Redfin rates the Atlanta real estate market as “somewhat competitive.”

• The sale-to-list price is 98.2 percent (the actual sale price divided by the list price). 

• 79 percent of Atlanta home seekers want to stay in the area.

You have access to top-notch realtors

Atlanta is home to a range of excellent real estate brokerages, featuring some of the region’s most talented agents. Working with a knowledgeable agent is essential to having a seamless, beneficial real estate transaction. These professionals handle paperwork and tricky negotiations, and guide you through buying or selling your home.

Titus partners with top real estate agents in Atlanta to offer home sellers a unique financing product. Only Titus agents have access to closing lines of credit (CLoC), which homeowners can use to upgrade their properties before they hit the market—fostering quick, high-value sales.

There’s a neighborhood for every personality

Atlanta has a lot going on: some of the country’s finest food, tons of cultural and sporting events, and great shopping. If you’re a buyer, you’ll want to research the city's many neighborhoods to find which most closely aligns with your lifestyle. And if you’re a seller, highlight these perks to make your property more attractive to home seekers. 

Here’s a brief rundown of some popular Atlanta metro neighborhoods and what they’re known for.

• Inman Park: Victorian homes and lush surroundings. A focus on community. 

• Buckhead: Luxurious properties and high-end shopping. Excellent nightlife and dining.

• East Atlanta Village: Trendy and electric. Great dining and music scene. 

• Little Five Points: A hip neighborhood with local finds. 

• Old Fourth Ward: Historical flair and a vibrant cultural offering. 

• Sandy Springs: A family-friendly Atlanta suburb with great schools and parks. 

• Piedmont Heights: Home to Piedmont Park. Plenty of dining and shopping options. 

• Summerhill: Historic charm, coffee shops, cafes, and boutiques. 

• Tuxedo Park: A high-end neighborhood with an exclusive real estate offering.

• Cabbagetown: Shotgun houses, artsy vibe. Home to Cabbagetown Park. 

You’ll likely have an HOA

Homeowners associations (HOAs) are popular in the Atlanta area. One report shows that 2.3 million of Georgia’s inhabitants live in HOA-governed communities.  

HOAs help keep community spaces clean and functional and regulate neighborhood aesthetics and conduct. But this work comes at a cost. Homeowners have to pay into these associations. So, if you’re buying in the area, get ahead of unforeseen costs by researching if your dream home is in an HOA-governed neighborhood. Find out how much the association charges. 

Both buyers and sellers should also read up on HOA rules when planning renovations—whether to get a property market-ready or infuse your new purchase with your style and personality. HOAs often have regulations on cosmetic choices that will bar you from making certain changes. For example, you may not be able to paint your house a particular color, plant a specific variety of trees, or, even, install solar panels.  

You might have to respect historical rules

It’s not only HOAs that dictate whether you can paint your home a certain hue or make architectural modifications. The local government in a city as historically rooted as Atlanta may set limits for your area, as well. 

If you’re a seller, check neighborhood regulations before making pre-market upgrades like swapping out your windows or siding. The same advice goes for buyers; don’t set your heart on changes to your desired property you may not be able to make.

You’ll want to get insured 

Atlanta homeowners face some risk factors. So, consider protecting yourself with insurance. 

The first is the weather. While it can be a plus that Atlanta has a range of seasons, these shifts can bring extreme weather like tornados, hurricanes, flooding, and strong winds. All of these events could imply property damage.

And, if you opt for one of Atlanta’s stunning historic properties, you may find it needs more frequent repairs and updates than a newer home. This point is essential when running purchase costs, as insurance on these houses will likely cost you more. And while not an insurance issue, this point will also likely come up if you’re a seller who plans on doing a home inspection before putting your property on the market. The inspection may surface old plumbing and electrical systems you’d be wise to repair. 

This one’s for sellers: what ATL buyers want

Before putting your home on the market, consider making upgrades that will make the property more attractive for buyers and drive up the purchase price. What buyers want shifts from place to place and from season to season, so the best resource for advice on this topic is your realtor, who’s in constant contact with local home seekers. 

Data points to a few trends on Atlanta buyer preferences. If your home already has these features, you’re in luck. And if not, on your realtor’s advice, you can put them in (just make sure your local and HOA regulations allow). 

• A back patio 

• Crown molding 

• A contemporary kitchen

• A new air conditioning system 

• A finished basement

Prepping your home for sale in Atlanta? Titus can help

If you’re a home seller hoping to repair or renovate your home before putting it on the market or looking for good home stagers in Atlanta to make your property shine, Titus can help you finance these upgrades. Simply partner with a Titus-affiliated real estate agent and gain access to a unique financing product, known as a closing line of credit (CLoC). 

CLOCs of up to $25,000 are zero-interest, and Titus doesn’t charge homeowners anything out-of-pocket or upfront. Learn how it works here.