Affordable housing makes ownership possible

Tennessean.com – June 25, 2010

Ask a room full of people to define affordable housing and chances are you’ll get as many different answers as there are people in the room. For many, this concept carries with it the idea of Section 8 housing, which is a part of affordable housing, but certainly not the only meaning. The term “affordability” is defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as simply the ability for a household to expense no more than 30 percent of its annual income on housing.

For some households, 30 percent of annual income could mean Section 8 housing. But for many, especially those in the first-time buyer and workforce housing market, affordable housing means something totally different.

It means being able to find clean, safe housing within a reasonable distance of their job that is priced no higher than the area’s median housing price.

The Greater Nashville Association of Realtors just launched a new website that hopefully will help those buyers and Realtors locate housing options and home-buying assistance. Late last year, GNAR was chosen by the National Association of Realtors to be a pilot market for a new affordable housing website. The site, http://www.greaternashvillehomeprograms.com,  provides centralized information on programs available in the Greater Nashville area. Potential buyers can visit the site to find information on programs and packages from government and private nonprofit agencies, as well as answers to consumer issues like credit and lending.

Middle Tennessee is fortunate to have many organizations and agencies that offer multiple programs to assist potential homebuyers reach their goal of home ownership. Programs like the Tennessee Housing Development Agency’s Great Start and The Housing Fund’s Home Ownership NOW both provide things like down-payment assistance and closing costs to individuals and families who qualify.

Click here to read this article in its entirity.

This article was brought to you by JoAnne Staler, Nashville  TN REALTOR with RE/MAX.  JoAnne is providing a unique level of service to  home buyers and home sellers in Nashville, Brentwood, Williamson County and Franklin, Tennessee.  Whether Buying or Selling Real Estate locally or Relocating to Middle Tennessee, let a Top Selling Franklin Real Estate Agent help.  To find out more about JoAnne Staler or search for real estate via the Nashville Tennessee MLS visit http://joannestaler.com/.

No matter what your price range JoAnne Staler can help you find your Nashville TN dream home.  Click here to recieve automatic emails of new listings that fit your home buying criteria.

Click here for more information on buying a home in Nashville TN.

Buyers are on the lookout for outdoor living spaces that can be used year-round

By Nancy Mueller • FOR WILLIAMSON A.M. • June 25, 2010

FRANKLIN — With a temperate climate and a beautiful landscape, people here are big on outdoor living. 

Most homeowners in this market really utilize whatever type of outdoor living spaces their home provides, often making their patios and porches the base locations for parties and family gatherings instead of their living rooms and dining rooms.

And the love of inside-out living shows no signs of fading; if anything the outdoor living spaces are getting bigger and more diverse.

As a result, anyone who shops for a house in Williamson County will see just about every kind of outdoor residential structure ever invented, from patios, decks and screened porches to pergolas, loggias and verandas.

Outside spaces with roofs permit more elaborate outdoor living and entertaining while protecting all of the furnishings and accessories that people are now bringing to their outdoor living rooms, like music systems, TVs, curtains, pillows, refrigerators, game tables, candles and even artwork.

Click here to read this Williamson A.M. article in its entirity.

See more Tennessee Homeowners Tips and Trends by clicking here.

This article was brought to you by JoAnne Staler, Franklin TN REALTOR with RE/MAX.  JoAnne is providing a unique level of service to  home buyers and home sellers in Nashville, Brentwood, Williamson County and Franklin, Tennessee.  Whether Buying or Selling Real Estate locally or Relocating to Middle Tennessee, let a Top Selling Franklin Real Estate Agent help.  To find out more about JoAnne Staler or search for real estate via the Franklin Tennessee MLS visit http://joannestaler.com/.

Welcome to the resort life in the Temple Hills Golf Community at 165 Deercrest Circle.  This is a rare find; a Zero Lot Line Townhome located on Temple Hills Golf Course!

This three bedroom townhome features a Master Suite on the main level, an oversized two car garage, and a Florida Room which overlooks the golf action and features a custom bar cabinet.  Deercrest is a small grouping of zero-lot line homes within Temple Hills Country Club Estates.  A small monthly fee takes care of your trash and mowing.  The club amenities, such as golf, pool, tennis are available but optional. Please visit the website www.165DeercrestCircle.com for additional information and photographs.

Click here to see more golf community homes listed for sale in Middle Tennessee.

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This golf course home for sale is listed by JoAnne Staler, Franklin Tennessee REALTOR with is providing a unique level of service to buyers and sellers in Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Tennessee.  Whether Buying or Selling Real Estate locally or Relocating to Middle Tennessee, let a Top Selling Franklin Real Estate Agent help.  To find out more about JoAnne Staler or search for real estate via the Middle Tennessee MLS visit www.joannestaler.com.

RE/MAX VOTED NUMBER 1 BY TENNESSEE READERS – Readers of the Greater Nashville House & Home & Garden magazine have voted RE/MAX of Tennessee as their favorite Realty Company for 2010.

Nashville, Tennessee

The prize is awarded following a ballot of readers.

Bob C. Sutton, Regional Director and Vice President of RE/MAX of Kentucky/Tennessee Inc said: “We could not be more proud of our RE/MAX Offices. RE/MAX Broker/Owners and Sales are the most experienced and educated professionals in the industry.” 

“Their dedication to providing exceptional service and expertise allows them to continue to produce outstanding results.  We congratulate them on this award and are extremely happy that consumers recognize the value of dealing with an experienced RE/MAX Professional” he added.

RE/MAX has a thriving network of 69 offices all across Tennessee and continues to look for new ways to serve Tennessee Home Buyers.

10 Most Desirable Features in New Homes

A new RISMedia article by Steve Kerch (“Top 10 Must-Have Features in Today’s New Homes”) summarizes consumer reports recently released at the National Association of Home Builders Show. One survey, by AVID Ratings Co., solicited home buyer preferences, revealing “10 ‘must’ features in new homes”:

1. Large kitchens, with an island
2. Granite countertops
3. Energy-efficient appliances, high-efficiency insulation and high window efficiency
4. Home office/study
5. Main-floor master suite
6. Outdoor living room
7. Master suite soaker tubs
8. Stone and brick exteriors
9. Community landscaping, with walking paths and playgrounds
10. Two-car garages

It’s an interesting article, worth reading in its entirety, HERE.

You’ll love your time at home when you own this charming brick cottage in the much-sought after Crieve Hall Estates Nashville Tennessee.

Located at 5042 Stillwood, one of the prettiest streets in town, this special home features hardwood flooring throughout and is in fantastic move-in ready condition.

The half-acre park-like lawn boasts mature trees and plenty of room for expansion or planting the garden of your dreams. 

Click here to view a virtual tour of this Nashville TN home for sale at 5042 Stillwood.

Find out more information and view additional photographs of this Crieve Hall home for sale by clicking here.

This Crieve Hall Estates home for sale is listed by JoAnne Staler,  Tennessee REALTOR .   JoAnne is providing a unique level of service to home buyers and home sellers in Nashville, Bellevue, Brentwood, Franklin, Tennessee.  Whether Buying or Selling Real Estate locally or Relocating to Middle Tennessee, let a Top Selling Nashville Real Estate Agent help.  To find out more about JoAnne Staler or search for real estate via the Middle Tennessee MLS visit www.JoAnneStaler.com.

If this house doesn’t fit your needs, JoAnne is a top buyer’s agent in the Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin  areas and can find the perfect home for you.  Contact JoAnne directly by clicking here.

The Crieve Hall community lies nestled in the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee, about 9 miles south of downtown Nashville. This suburban neighborhood, as we know it, was created in the mid-1950’s, subdivided from large farms and grand estates. With lovely views of the Overton Hills to the West, it is a scenic place, rich in history.  Click here to find out more information regarding Crieve Hall estates.

According to the National Assoc. of Home Builders, 59% of Builders are downsizing. They are building smaller, ‘greener’ homes. Watch the following video for more details…

“This is exciting for Franklin to achieve this status in Southern Living Magazine,” remarked Franklin Mayor John Schroer. “This is a true compliment for the citizens and businesses that serve Franklin visitors, they do a great job of attracting people to this town and making sure they have a pleasurable experience while they are here.”

The top ten “Best Small Town” list includes:

1. Beaufort, SC

2. Fairhope, AL

3. Fredericksburg, TX

4. Blowing Rock, NC

5. Franklin, TN
 
6. Eureka Springs, AR

7. Oxford, MS

8. Grand Rivers, KY

9. Madison, GA

10. Hendersonville, NC

Click here to read about Franklin Tennessee’s goal to become a Top 25 Green City.

Click here for more information on Franklin, Tennessee or Williamson County.  

Click here to read about Franklin’s award winning schools. 

Click here to view demographic reports for Franklin, Tennessee. 

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest events in your life.  Real estate sales are complex transactions in which innumerable snags can occur.  Be prepared with the tools you need to successfully navigate the real estate waters. 

With over 14 years of experience working in the Nashville real estate market I’ve put together an extensive collection of resources to guide homeowners, homebuyers and real estate investors through the process of selling and buying a house, condo or other Nashville TN property.  I hope the following tools will be of assistance to you in your Middle Tennessee real estate dealings.  And remember I can be reached directly by clicking here for one-on-one expert help and advice. That’s my job.

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