It is not “first comes love, then comes marriage,” but for many women, “first comes homeownership,” according to First American Chief Economist Odeta Kushi.

“Treat each client like they’re your only client.” — Kema Mercier, Agent, Coldwell Banker Realty – Buckhead West Paces Ferry

The deal brings more than 2,000 PalmerHouse agents to HomeSmart’s team, which will grow to 22,000, and adds six markets to its portfolio, bringing it to 37 states.

Atlanta’s median monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment was $1,500 in March, placing it in a tie with Seattle for 16th place among U.S. metros, according to a report from the online listing agent.

It also ranks among the top 15 states in the economy, infrastructure, opportunity and fiscal stability categories.

Besides Atlanta, RealSure is available in Chicago; Dallas, Houston and Austin, Texas; Denver and Colorado Springs, Colo.; Ft. Myers, Sarasota, Tampa and Orlando, Fla.;  and Sacramento, Calif.

The increase, which has been under discussion off and on since 2010, will raise the current fee of roughly $1,500 per home to about $4,900.

Lenders issued $1.06 trillion worth of mortgages in the fourth quarter of 2020 with refis contributing to the boost.

“More jobs are very likely, due to the near certain passage of the $1.9 trillion stimulus package and from two million vaccinations per day,” National Association of Realtors chief economist Lawrence Yun said in a release.

The deal will add approximately 230 agents to the Atlanta footprint of Fathom’s cloud-based brokerage, Fathom Realty LLC.

The stimulus bill includes aid for state and local governments, new homeowners, small businesses and renters.

The new phase will offer 11 farmhouse-style homes priced from the low $300,000s.

Tours are available by appointment and show four of 20 available floorplans.

The award recognizes performance related to a variety of metrics, including customer service, cost management and analysis and marketing of homes.

The House of Representatives has approved the Equality Act, which establishes legal safeguards to prevent discrimination in housing based on sexual orientation.

The increase follows a decline earlier in February that cut the number of homeowners in forbearance plans to less than 2.7 million, the first dip below that threshold since April 2020.