The Atlanta real estate market has seen a lot of highs and lows over the last several years, including the precipitous rise and fall in prices that so severely impacted our region. Lately, however, statistics show that prices are coming back, slowly but steadily climbing. Also in the mix is another "low," one that spells good news for sellers — but greater competition for buyers and that is the supply of houses, or inventory.

Robert Broome, director of government affairs for the Atlanta Board of REALTORS®, said the board assembled a coalition of groups willing to fund an economic analysis of the proposed regulation. He said the study will take about four weeks to complete.

A year ago, Atlanta prices were still falling. Now, they're surging. The median home price in Atlanta in January was up 43% year-over-year, the Atlanta Board of Realtors says. In the previous year, it was down 17%.

"It’s very encouraging," said Nancy See, president of the Atlanta Board of REALTORS®. "Consumers are tired of waiting on the sidelines. This activity is driving prices up."

"Signs point to continued pricing increases in the next 12 months," she said, though she added there is no guarantee the upswing will continue into the spring selling season.

Metro Atlanta single-family house sales decreased 10.2 percent in January, but prices were up, the Atlanta Board of REALTORS® reported in its monthly market brief.

"What we’re seeing on homes that are well-priced, in good condition, and in good neighborhoods with good schools, we’re seeing multiple offers. And this is a very encouraging sign," says Atlanta Board of REALTORS® president Nancy See.

Meanwhile the median sale price in metro Atlanta rose 38 percent, to $165,000, between the end of 2011 and December 2012, according to data from the Atlanta Board of REALTORS®. Sales of bank-owned homes fell to 26 percent of all home sales in December 2012, from 47 percent in December 2011.

"It's a stronger market that is no longer pulling prices down," said Nancy See, president of the Atlanta Board of REALTORS®. "We have pent-up demand and low inventory."

"The year ended on a high note as far as prices are concerned, having increased significantly over last year and showing additional promise over November," Nancy See, the 2013 Atlanta Board of REALTORS® president, said in a news release.

Today's Atlanta Community Profiles Radio Show featured ABR President Nancy See.  The show provides a great introduction to Nancy and her Industry experience.  In addition to discussing the current market trends, Nancy also discusses the distinction between REALTORS® and licensees and the professional difference that a REALTOR® brings to his/her clients.