The Atlanta metro area continued to see a healthy pace of home sales in January despite dwindling inventory, Georgia MLS said in its Housing Snapshot.

After a bumpy start to 2020, Georgia’s housing market shrugged off much of the initial pandemic-related disruptions to post a solid finish to the year, with major indicators pointing to strong demand and tight supply, according to the Georgia Association of Realtors’ annual report.

When complete, Vernon will offer 20 three- and four-bedroom homes priced from the low $600,000s.

The report added that vacation homes and affordable homes in small towns near major urban centers were in strong demand as a result of the pandemic.

“To succeed in our rapidly changing local market, agents need to build their business on principles that work, and that’s when a coach can make all of the difference.” — Craig McClelland, vice president and COO of BHGRE Metro Brokers

Fence-sitters thinking of buying a home beware, says a new study from Zillow, which notes that waiting could mean a much higher mortgage payment down the road.

Atlanta-area homebuyers have another resource at hand, thanks to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties opening its new Historic College Park office to serve clients and agents in South Fulton.

The company, which just celebrated its 90th birthday, bested its fourth quarter 2019 numbers by 46%.

“Homeowners will see the value of their homes rise, but first-time homebuyers will face tougher competition from out-of-towners with big budgets.” — Daryl Fairweather, Redfin chief economist

It was a record-shattering year for brokers and agents using the Georgia MLS, with sales volume jumping 18.5% from the previous year to $39.9 billion, according to the listing service. That’s the biggest number Georgia MLS has experienced since its inception in 1962.