How to House Hunt in Atlanta

So you're thinking about moving to the big "Peach". Or perhaps you already live in near Georgia, and would like to investigate housing in the metro Atlanta area. It's a given that most people utilize the services of real estate agents, and other professional services in their quest for finding a home. But real estate agents stand something to gain: your money. They will quickly assess what your wants are, and may attempt to tailor your search in order to make their sale. While this is basically what they are paid to do, there are some things you can do for yourself to make the process of house hunting a little smoother.

1. "MOVE" TO ATLANTA. - No, don't really move---at least not yet. Assuming that you're considering moving to Atlanta from a location pretty far away, why not try on the city for size for a little while? If your vacation schedule allows, plan at least a week's visit. If you can, try to schedule your visit to Atlanta on a weekday, when airline rates tend to be lower. If you've already pinpointed an area you're interested in, rent a suite in an "apartment hotel" like the Residence Inn Marriott. Relatives of mine once visited for a week and stayed at the Residence Inn. Upon visiting them, I was astonished at how stylish and homey they really are. They come fully equipped with kitchens, utensils, and have separate living, sleeping, and bathing quarters. Some are actually larger than permanent residences. Choosing this type of suite also allows you to save money on dining out

At any rate, you may choose a simpler hotel. But the point is that you choose an area where you can get a real lay of the land. Rent a car and head out into rush-hour traffic to see what the commute will really be like. Explore the neighborhoods and see for yourself the many ways Atlanta spreads out its diversity. Don't be afraid to get "lost." Often the best shortcuts are found when we're not looking for them. Staying in Atlanta during a busy work week will give you a real understanding of what patterns people move in. Real estate agents can tell you what schools and businesses are nearby. But they won't be able to explain to you how a neighborhood will make you feel.