BE PROUD OF YOUR NASHVILLE BACKYARD

By jstaler | Published: July 16, 2012

Spruce up the backyard:

 

Front yard landscaping is created to make your home more appealing with a garden area. It is very seldom that one will find the barbeque area, patio or swimming pool in the front yard. Homes, without the luxury of swimming pools and barbeque areas, can easily develop a neglected backyard or become a dumping site.

 

Here are some ideas for the backyard:

 

  • Get rid of all unwanted items that are lying around in the backyard. Plan a small, easy to maintain, herb garden. Most herbs thrive in just about any location that gives them plenty of light. Good air circulation and drainage are also important to the success of your herb garden. Many herbs overlap in category. Border a cooking herb garden with some cultivars that have ornamental, aromatic and gastronomic qualities. The main purpose of a culinary herb garden is for use in your kitchen.

 

  • Invest in a fruit tree.  A fruit tree can be an attractive and useful addition to the backyard landscape. Planting and Early Care of Fruit Trees will help you to establish new fruit trees that will provide you with beauty and fruit.

 

  • Plan and invest in a relaxation deck where you can kick of your shoes after a hard days work. There are many ideas on the internet as to how to design and make a deck if you are a DIY person. This will unquestionably add to your home’s value if you plan on selling in the future. In the mean time you get to enjoy the relaxation.

 

  • Lately, people have become increasingly interested in building barbecues of their own. This is an investment that will provide wonderful family quality time which is much needed in today’s busy lives.

Sprucing up the backyard will add to the value of your property, as well as make it more enjoyable to you and your family.

 

 

Posted in Nashville TN real estate, Real estate, Sellers information, Tennessee Homeowner Tips & Trends, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Comments closed

Real Estate Value In Good Schools

By jstaler | Published: July 9, 2012

real estateThere is great value in owning real estate near good schools.  Homes that are located in good school districts and homes that are within a close proximity to good schools are worth more than nearby homes in a lesser district.  If it has been said one time it has been said a million times, location is everything when it comes to real estate.  Williamson County is known for it’s top notch schools.

Regardless of whether or not you, as a home buyer, have a family, have children who are grown, or never intend to have children, if you look at your home as an investment you will stand to make more money from your home if you are located near quality education.  Good schools matter to buyers and many people with children move to be in a better district. Of course, on the flip side, buying a home in a good school district will cost you more as well.

Maintaining your investment is an important part of buying a home, and a very good reason to use a REALTOR®.  A REALTOR® should know the area in which you are looking better than anyone.  He should be able to point out the pluses and minuses of each neighborhood and should have access to report cards on all area schools.  Location is important and schools are very relevant to home values.

Click here to read “Living near good schools will cost an extra $200K” from CNN Money.

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Preparing to Buy Real Estate in Franklin

By jstaler | Published: July 2, 2012

real estatePreparing yourself to buy real estate is an important part of the process.  While it almost goes without saying that buying a home is a big deal, the steps leading up to the decision are important.  Knowing your finances inside and out, understanding what your needs are for a home, pinpointing a neighborhood, and finding a REALTOR® are all part of the pre-buying puzzle.

Locating a REALTOR® is one of the most important steps before buying a home.  While certainly you can call different phone numbers found from the classifieds and online searches, it is important to realize that any REALTOR® you choose to work with has access to all homes that are listed for sale.

A REALTOR® can do a lot more than show homes, an experienced REALTOR® will listen to your needs, pinpoint homes that suit your needs, show you the homes, write a contract when you find the right home, and follow through with the contractual elements.    The REALTOR® you choose to work with will be your guide throughout your real estate search and transaction.

Take your time choosing a REALTOR® that you can get along with and one you feel confident about.  Ask around, do some online research, and find someone who reflects experience and knowledge.

I have been in the Middle Tennessee area as a full-time real estate agent for over 17 years, working with over 1000 buyers and sellers. As a long-time resident, I have an in-depth understanding of the market and of the rapid growth that is transforming Nashville and the surrounding areas. I graduated from college and graduate school here, married then built a family life in Williamson and Davidson Counties, and I’ve put three children through area public, private, and parochial schools, as well as been involved with all their activities…. soccer, baseball, basketball, Girl and Boy Scouts, dance, lacrosse, Tae Kwondo, rugby, CCD … even scuba certification. Just ask me and I can point you in the right direction for all this information! I enjoy working in all price ranges, from first-time condo buyers to luxury home sellers. I know the best builders, if new construction is what you’re looking for, and I can help you find repair people to ready your house for the market. Most of all, I will LISTEN to your needs, and tailor my services to best help you accomplish your goals.

Click here to read “What you should know before buying a home” from Forbes.

Posted in Franklin, Franklin TN real estate agent, Franklin TN real estate buyer, Real estate, top realtor top real estate agent | Tagged , , , | Comments closed

Short Sales Increasing, Taking Less Time

By jstaler | Published: July 2, 2012

short salesThe number of short sales is increasing as banks like the idea of getting rid of properties before taking ownership of them.  One of the biggest hurdles to date with the short sale process has been time.  The amount of time that it has taken to close a short sale deal has been roughly 9 months on average, frustrating to both the buyer and seller.

Those buying short sale properties as an investment may have time to waste waiting for deals to close but many looking to move in to a short sale property do not.  Banks have stepped forward to do their part in making the short sale process move along at a quicker pace, which is much more attractive to buyers.

Banks have come to the conclusion that it makes more sense to unload distressed properties before they hit foreclosure.  Once a property becomes bank owned the bank is responsible for upkeep and marketing while waiting for a buyer.  Banks have never wanted to be in the role of landlord or seller and have thus come around.  Today banks are working harder to help short sales come together in a more timely manner, and some banks are even offering cash incentives to home owners to move forward with a short sale to avoid foreclosure.

Click here to read “Short Sales Surpass Foreclosures As Banks Agree to Deals” from Bloomberg News.

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Home Remodeling Picking Up in Nashville

By jstaler | Published: July 2, 2012

Remodeling your homeHome remodeling is picking up in Nashville, TN.  Data shows that people are starting to put money into their homes again, which is great for local contractors and eventually good for real estate values.  The question is, which projects are priorities and which projects are falling by the wayside?

Homes are getting basic work done, keeping simple projects in check and putting elaborate trends on the back burner.  Headlines are suggesting that investors or buying bargain properties in record numbers and many of these homes are being fixed up for rentals.

General overhauls are being done to kitchens and bathrooms but where cabinets do not need to be replaced they are being refinished.  Paint is BIG, an easy update to a dull room, and fixtures can change the entire look of a room.  The reality is that excess hasn’t returned, but common sense improvements that can improve the look and feel of a home are in.

Click here to read “Investing in America: Home Remodeling on a Roll” from CNBC.

Posted in Downtown Nashville, Nashville TN real estate, Nashville TN real estate agent, Nashville TN real estate buyer, Real estate, Tennessee, Tennessee Homeowner Tips & Trends, Things to Do, top realtor top real estate agent, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Comments closed

Brentwood Real Estate, Take A Look

By jstaler | Published: May 15, 2012

real estate newsGiving pause to real estate in the popular Brentwood area of Nashville, one can take a look at the positive headlines, creating a much more optimistic feel for the state of home sales and the economy in general.  It has been stated over and over in recent years that economic recovery is tightly connected with real estate recovery.  The economy has been recovering slowly, and often real estate recovery has seemed even slower.

It is important to remember, however, that not too long ago headlines were 99.9% bleak, offering little hope, and when there was hope it seemed months, if not years, in the future.  Today’s headlines on the other hand are far more optimistic, showing signs of life in retail, residential, new construction, and real estate investment.

Recent Wall Street Journal headlines related to real estate include: “Drop in Store Vacancies Signals Possible Mall Rebound”, “Owning Regains Appeal”, and  “Foreclosure Starts ‘Fall’ in February”.  Likewise, recent headlines at Realty Times include: “Real Estate Outlook: Vacation Sales Surge”, and “Banks Upbeat About Mortgage Performance, Looser Credit Looms”.

While certainly real estate recovery is not in full bloom everywhere but it certainly is looking up.  The general sentiment appears to be that owning real estate is a good investment and that now is a great time to be a buyer.

SourcedFrom

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Healthy Floors in Your Nashville TN Home

By jstaler | Published: April 30, 2012

Nasheville TN Rug / Home AdviceHealthy floors are an option for all of us in our Nashville TN Home.  We walk on them every day, but how often do we actually give our floors consideration?  Most of us have probably spent our entire lives not even thinking about carpet for example.  We choose carpet based on color, style, and even price, not typically what the carpet is made from.  The truth is that much of the carpeting that has traditionally covered our floors contains formaldehyde.

How often do you think about what you are surrounded by every day?  What you walk on, what you sit on, what you drink out of are all made up of some type of material, have you ever considered that any of these items could be toxic over a long period of time and prolonged exposure?  Flooring made up of formaldehyde just sounds awful, doesn’t it?  Knowing that there are harmless, earth-friendly alternatives for flooring may offer peace of mind and a healthier life in the long run.

We no longer use lead in the paints that cover our walls because we know that lead in poisonous to our health.  Likewise we have rid our homes of asbestos because it has led to diseases like lung cancer and asthma.  Let’s face the fact that formaldehyde is not good for us either.  Luckily we now have countless natural options that include wool carpeting, cork floors, and stone tiles.  We can make choices that can help our health and our homes at the same time.

Click here to read “Natural Flooring Choices” from Realty Times.

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Moving, Are You A Hoarder?

By jstaler | Published: April 30, 2012

real estateWhen it comes to moving and facing all of your belongings you might end up asking yourself, am I a hoarder?  While this is most likely an exaggeration, it is amazing what we accumulate and what we become attached to and there is no better time than moving to purge ourselves of the excess items that are rarely used.  So, the big question is, where do you start?

Pick a room and start there, it really doesn’t matter which one.  For argument’s sake let’s begin in the kitchen.  Having boxes set up to pack to keep and move with you is a great start.  Everything you want to keep place in a box, everything you can get rid of, don’t use, or don’t like can be stacked on the counter and then boxed for a garage sale, the Salvation Army, or other new home.  Is something broken?  Throw it away.  Taking something off the top shelf that hasn’t been used since you moved in?  Get rid of it!  The rule is, if you don’t use it you don’t need it.

Moving represents the perfect opportunity for a fresh, organized start.  The more organized your packing the more organized your unpacking will be.  Even the messiest of us can admit that we feel better when everything in our homes is clean and organized.  Make an effort to shed the useless items that you have collected.  It is extremely doubtful that you will ever regret doing so.

Click here to read “Letting Go During a Move” from Realty Times.

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Relocating to Nashville Might Be Easier Than You Think

By jstaler | Published: April 27, 2012

relocatingRelocating to Nashville might be easier than you think.  The Internet, smart phones, and a wide variety of apps alone make finding your way in a new city easier than ever.  Whether you are looking for a new favorite restaurant to go to, a move theater near your new home, or entertainment for a Friday night, there is an app for that.

A few apps for getting around, locating a restaurant, and finding entertainment include:

  • Cabulous is an app that can help you call a cab directly.
  • Cocktail Compass works for many cities, filling you in on the best drink deals in town.
  • Fandango will let you know what movies are playing where.
  • UrbanSpoon can help you locate a restaurant and reviews.

Moving to Nashville has never been easier, with countless information available at your fingertips.  Of course a REALTOR® can be an incredibly valuable asset when moving to a new city.  A REALTOR® not only has access to homes listed for sale but a slew on connections and community information as well.

Relocating is more, however, than adjusting to a new city.  Relocating also means organizing, packing up your belongings, and leaving a home, often a daunting task.  Click here to read “Moving Made Simple: Tips to Help You Relocate”, for some helpful tools on how to make the entire process easier and smoother.

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Preparing to Buy Real Estate

By jstaler | Published: March 27, 2012

real estatePreparing yourself to buy real estate is an important part of the process.  The importance of preparation is the same whether you are buying real estate in Nashville, Brentwood or Franklin, TN.  While it almost goes without speaking that buying a home is a big deal, the steps leading up to the decision are important.  Knowing your finances inside and out, understanding what your needs are for a home, pinpointing a neighborhood, and finding a REALTOR® are all part of the pre-buying puzzle.

Locating a REALTOR® is one of the most important steps before buying a home.  While certainly you can call different phone numbers found from the classifieds and online searches, it is important to realize that any REALTOR® you choose to work with has access to all homes that are listed for sale.  Be sure that you work with a REALTOR and not just an agent, for more assurance that you will be treated ethically, that your REALTOR will be cooperative with other agents and that your agent will have access to the local MLS and the lock boxes found on most homes for sale in Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, TN.
A REALTOR® can do a lot more than show homes, an experienced REALTOR® will listen to your needs, pinpoint homes that suit your needs, show you the homes, write a contract when you find the right home, and follow through with the contractual elements.    The REALTOR® you choose to work with will be your guide throughout your real estate search and transaction.  Be sure that the agent you chose has not only many years of experience, but that the agent specializes in the location and type of property you plan to purchase.  For example, if you plan to buy a large luxury home, you won’t be best represented by an agent who usually sells condos or starter homes.  Or if you plan a more complex transaction, such as a lease-purchase or home sale contingency, be sure that your agent has had experience with that type of sale.

Take your time choosing a REALTOR® that you can get along with and one you feel confident about.  Ask around, do some online research, and find someone who reflects experience and knowledge.  JoAnne Staler has the knowledge, experience and integrity to help you buy a home in Nashville, Brentwood or Franklin, TN.  She has been selling real estate in Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, TN for over 18 years, to everyone from first-time buyers to luxury home buyers.

 

Call JoAnne Staler  at (888)489-1730 for expert real estate services or visit her website at www.JoAnneStaler.com to search for homes in Nashville, Brentwood or Franklin, TN.

Click here to read “What you should know before buying a home” from Forbes.

SourcedFrom Sourced from: Internal Kinetic Real Estate Library

Posted in Luxury Homes, Nashville Brentwood Franklin homebuyers | Tagged , , , , | Comments closed
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