Sharkey Real Estate

08/29/2025

🚨 Condo Insurers: Want to add real value (and save yourself a lot of headaches)?

Too many condo deals fall apart because the master insurance policy doesn’t meet Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac requirements. When that happens, condos become “unwarrantable” — meaning only cash buyers or high-rate niche loans can purchase them. Result? Property values drop, boards panic, and everyone points fingers.

💡 The fix is simple: Learn the Fannie/Freddie insurance requirements. Write policies that protect both the association and the condo owners’ ability to sell.

By doing this, you go from being just an insurer to being a trusted advisor — protecting property values, keeping boards happy, and making lenders like me a lot less “pesky.”

👉 Associations will value your expertise. And everyone wins.

08/20/2025

🌟 Condo Opportunity – 5157 Roswell Rd Unit 1, Atlanta, GA 30342 🌟

Stylish, affordable, and move-in ready—this one-bedroom, one-bath condo is the perfect balance of comfort and convenience in a well-kept community.

Modern finishes, ample closet space, and a well-appointed kitchen make this ideal for daily living or hosting guests.

Community amenities include a sparkling pool, fitness center, and dedicated parking in a serene, residential setting.
compass.com

📩 Check it out here: https://www.homes.com/property/5157-roswell-rd-atlanta-ga-unit-1/1th9f8tz3102z/

Send us a message with Sharkey Real Estate to tour or get more info!

Listed for sale at $169499. Seller offering mortgage rate buy down! Discover your perfect retreat in this spacious one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo n...

08/20/2025

🏡 Condo Opportunity – 111 Fair Haven Way SE, Smyrna, GA 🏡

Looking for low-maintenance living with the perfect balance of comfort and affordability? This Smyrna condo is move-in ready and positioned to take advantage of today’s buyer-friendly market.

✨ 2 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms
✨ Updated features and efficient layout
✨ Prime location near Truist Park, shopping, and dining

💲 Priced to sell in a market where buyers have the edge.

📩 View full details here: https://www.homes.com/property/111-fair-haven-way-se-smyrna-ga/zws2nehewt5yv/

Message Sharkey Real Estate today to schedule a showing!

Listed for sale at $279900. This stunning 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo has been completely updated from top to bottom, offering a like-new living exp...

08/20/2025

✨ Condos Could Be a Win for Today’s Buyers ✨

Not every buyer wants (or needs) the biggest house on the block. Many are looking for something affordable, low-maintenance, and in a great location. That’s where condos shine.

📊 Inventory is up, prices are cooling, and buyers have more negotiating power than we’ve seen in years. For first-time buyers or downsizers, this could be the perfect time to make a move.

We currently have two condos for sale that fit this opportunity perfectly — affordable, well-located, and ready for new owners.

📩 Message Sharkey Real Estate today for details or to schedule a showing!

08/01/2025

📉 Big shift in the market today.

The 10-Year Treasury yield dropped significantly and continued falling throughout the day. For those of us in investment real estate, this is a signal worth watching.

When treasury yields fall, borrowing costs often follow. That can mean:

✅ Lower interest rates
✅ Better cash flow
✅ Improved cap rate performance
✅ Deals that may not have worked last week suddenly start to make sense

Whether you're focused on short-term rentals, long-term holds, or commercial investments, this change could create new opportunities.

We’re already helping clients rework their numbers and move quickly on properties that now fit their strategy.

If you’ve been waiting for the numbers to work, this might be the time to act.

📲 Reach out if you want to talk through the potential or run the numbers together.

07/16/2025

🏡 Midterm Rentals & Taxes: What You Need to Know 💰

Midterm rentals: leases that are longer than 30 days but typically under a year are growing in popularity among traveling professionals, relocating families, and corporate tenants.

But how are they taxed?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Tax Reporting

Income is typically reported on Schedule E (Form 1040)

Deductible expenses include: mortgage interest, property taxes, depreciation, insurance, maintenance, utilities, and furnishings

🚫 No Self-Employment Tax?
As long as you’re not providing substantial services (think daily cleaning, meals, concierge), income is usually not subject to self-employment tax.

🧾 Losses: Passive or Active?
Most rental income is considered passive, so losses can’t offset active income—unless you qualify for:

1️⃣ $25K Special Allowance
If you actively participate and your MAGI is under $100K, you may deduct up to $25K in losses. (Phases out completely at $150K.)

2️⃣ Real Estate Professional Status (REPS)
Meet the IRS threshold of 750+ hours/year in real estate and spend over 50% of your working time in the field? You may treat rental losses as non-passive.

⚠️ Be careful: If your midterm rental offers hotel-style services (daily housekeeping, meals, personal care), it could be classified as a business—and that means self-employment tax applies.

📌 Bottom line: Midterm rentals can be a smart strategy, but tax treatment depends on how you operate. Know the rules—or consult with someone who does.

Call now to connect with business.

07/04/2025

🚨 Attention Airbnb Hosts 🚨

Airbnb is making some big changes to its policies, and if you are managing short term rentals, you need to be aware of what is coming.

Starting September 8, Airbnb will begin enforcing updated terms that shift more responsibility and financial risk onto us (hosts).

Here are the major updates you should know:

1. Guests can book without paying in full - Not Ideal

Airbnb is now offering more flexible payment options like Klarna and Pay Over Time. While that might sound great for guests, it could be a problem for hosts. Guests can now reserve a property without paying the full amount upfront. If they cancel close to check in, you could be left with an empty calendar and no payout. Depending on your cancellation policy, you may not be compensated at all.

2. Chargebacks can happen long after the stay - This is ridiculous

Under the new terms, Airbnb can reverse your payout if a guest disputes the charge, even weeks or months after checkout. It does not matter if the stay went smoothly or if the guest never complained. If their credit card company sides with them, Airbnb can pull funds from your account. You are responsible, and Airbnb still keeps its service fee either way.

3. Airbnb can hold your payout without explanation - Complete BS

If Airbnb sees anything it considers a risk (such as a sudden increase in bookings or a guest complaint), it now has the authority to delay or hold your payout. They do not have to explain why, and they are not required to tell you when the funds will be released. That can be a serious issue if you rely on that income to cover cleaning, utilities, or your mortgage.

🧠 What should hosts do right now

If you are managing a short term rental, here are a few smart steps to protect your business:

Screen guests more carefully and be cautious with last minute bookings

Start building a financial reserve to avoid relying on each payout

Set up a direct booking system so you are not entirely dependent on Airbnb - Our partners at Suite Stays Atlanta and 247 Property Management can help with this.

Invest in real insurance, not just the basic coverage Airbnb offers. I suggest Proper Insurance, backed by the Loyds of London.

Keep strong documentation including messages and photos from every stay. This is a must!

These changes are a reminder that Airbnb is evolving. It is giving guests more flexibility and keeping more control for itself. That means hosts must stay informed and prepared.

At Sharkey Real Estate, we work with owners every day who are navigating the short term rental space. If you have questions or need help setting up or managing a rental property, reach out to our team. We are always happy to help local hosts succeed.

06/23/2025

🏠 Thinking about your home’s value? Zillow’s Zestimate might pop up, but how accurate is it? At Sharkey Real Estate, we’re diving into the details! Zestimate uses public data, MLS records, and algorithms to estimate home values, with a 1.94% median error rate for on-market homes and 7.06% for off-market ones. It’s a helpful starting point, but it can miss key factors like your home’s condition, upgrades, or local market trends.

That’s where we shine! Our expert agents combine in-depth local knowledge with custom Comparative Market Analyses (CMAs) to give you a precise, personalized valuation. Whether you’re buying or selling, let’s talk about what your property is really worth in today’s market! 💰📈

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DM us or call to schedule a free consultation. Trust Sharkey Real Estate for the full picture!

[Source: The Close, June 19, 2025]

06/04/2025

Just Sold! This is the second time we've sold this house and couldn't be happier for our client! Thanks for trusting Sharkey Real Estate!

Listed for sale at $350000. This beautifully updated home sits on a rare, potentially subdividable lot—offering unique opportunities for future deve...