Leaders Choice is a comprehensive training program for REALTORS that meets one day per week for nine weeks. The classes teach everything from how to prepare for a listing appointment to time and budget management along with goal setting. The best part is attendees learn how to acheive their goals, with most exceeding their quarterly objective during the program.

We are fortunate to have Mike Collard, one of the national trainers with Leaders Choice, living in Atlanta. Mike schedules training sessions for brokers and agents, then with a little luck you actually get to attend a class that he instructs. If you feel that it is time to jumpstart your real estate career, give Mike a call. You won’t be disappointed.

As 2006 comes to a close many of us begin looking toward 2007 and what the new year will hold. During much of 2006 the buzz words on the national news programs have focused on terms like “The Housing Bubble” or “Real Estate Bust”. Fortunately for those of us living here, the Atlanta market remains one of the nations most stable and affordable markets.

So what should we expect for 2007? Long term interest rates should remain stable at or near today’s levels, which is historically attractive and low. Homes should continue to appreciate moderately in the 3% to 5% range annually. Of course location, amenities and schools continue to be important factors in the value of homes. Recent legislation making mortgage insurance tax deductable for 2007 should not be considered as a factor due to the uncertainty of whether or not the deduction will be extended or made permenant.

For many Atlanta residents, the dream of homeownership will become a reality in 2007. Finally getting out of an apartment and into a home that they own is going to happen. Whether a “first time buyer” or “move up buyer” for that expanding family, 2007 should be a very rewarding year for many.