Netflix star of 'Owning Manhattan' opens Atlanta office as Georgia real estate heats up

Core Insights - Georgia's real estate market is currently experiencing significant demand from homebuyers, driven by both relocations and the establishment of secondary homes in cities like Atlanta and Savannah [1][6][10] - SERHANT, a New York-based real estate brokerage, has expanded into Georgia, launching operations in Savannah in February and Atlanta in November of the previous year [2][3] - The state's economy is vibrant, with a reported 3.1% growth in 2024 and the creation of 60,400 jobs, contributing to the real estate market's strength [5][10] Economic Factors - The presence of Fortune 500 companies in Atlanta and significant job creation in Savannah, including Hyundai's multi-billion-dollar investment, are key drivers of the local economy [3][10] - Georgia's real estate market saw over 121,500 closed sales and nearly 121,900 pending sales in the previous year, reflecting slight increases of 0.3% and 0.5% respectively [6] - The median sales price of homes in Georgia increased by 2.9% year-over-year, indicating ongoing demand in both urban and suburban areas [6] Market Trends - There is a notable balance in demand between urban and suburban areas, with a 50-50 split in buyer interest, influenced by lifestyle changes post-COVID [7][8] - Atlanta's entertainment industry, including a growing film and music scene, is attracting more residents and contributing to the real estate market's appeal [9] - The city experienced a 4.9% increase in pending home sales and a 3.4% increase in closed sales during 2024, showcasing a healthy market [10] Future Projections - SERHANT anticipates a potential tenfold increase in the Georgia real estate market over the next five years, contingent on job growth and interest rate trends [11][12] - The Selig Center for Economic Growth predicts Georgia's population will grow at double the national average by 2025, further supporting real estate demand [15] - By 2050, the Atlanta region is expected to see an increase of 1.8 million in population, indicating long-term growth potential for the housing market [16]