Great tips for finding the best Mortgage Lender for you, by Guy Olds: It doesn’t matter whether you are purchasing your first home or second or even third, you are going to need to take out a mortgage to cover the costs of this purchase. So it is vital that you dedicate some time initially to finding the best mortgage lenders possible. Below we offer some tips that could help you to do just that.

• When it comes to you getting a mortgage how much the rate is on the loan is crucial. So it is advisable to spend time comparing a number of different lenders before making your final decision. When it comes to rates we aren’t just talking about the interest you will be required to pay on your loan but any closing costs that you will incur as well. These costs could add upwards of $2,000 on to the mortgage you are considering taking out and you may well be required to pay these upfront to the lender.

• When it comes to selecting the best mortgage lender you would be wise to know exactly what your credit score is at present. If you get preapproval from your mortgage lender they will then review your credit report to determine whether you are going to be a risk to them or not. By actually obtaining this yourself you could save yourself a small sum as the lender will charge a fee for obtaining this information themselves. Plus be aware that if too many checks are carried out on your credit report then this could actually lead to your score being damaged because the reporting agencies will deduct points for these searches to be completed.

Local events coming soon:

Pretty Lights is coming to Nashville 31^st of October 2011 at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium.  Derek Vincent Smith, better known by his electronic DJ persona “Pretty Lights” has been an innovator in the progressive breaks movement since he released his first album “Taking Up Your Precious Time” in 2006.

Are you a Martina McBride fan? The Martina McBride 2011 tour will be rolling into Nashville on the 22^nd of October 2011 at the Grand Ole Opry House. Get your tickets before they sell out

BE SMART AND SAVE is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

If you have never been to Nashville, or taken in a great Opry show, now is one of the best times ever. Diamond Rio is coming to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. In case you do not know, there have not been very many groups inducted into the Opry cast in the last decade or so. Diamond Rio first came to the Opry in October of 1991 and in 1998 were awarded induction into the honorable Opry house. Their group was the first in fourteen years to receive such a place of celebrity and fame at the Opry. Nothing but the best is allowed in this famous city hall, so when you come for an Opry show, you will experience the spirit of Nashville, TN and some of the best talent on the globe!

Diamond Rio’s six man band has air light vocal harmonies and intricate instrumentation that has helped define the standards of ‘young country music’ in their debut album in 1991. Once called the Tennessee River Boys, Diamond Rio performed at the former Opryland theme park.

In 2004, Diamond Rio received the Minnie Pearl Humanitarian Award for its work on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, for which the band members serve as National Ambassadors, as well as the American Lung Association, and others.

If you are on the look for a night to remember, while enjoying top-country music, then come on down to the Opry. Friday Night August 12, 2011 at 7:00 is when the show will begin! Tell your friends that Diamond Rio is coming to the Grand Ole Opry and make it a memorable evening as you come and enjoy a taste of what Nashville, TN is famous for! For tickets and more information go to http://www.opry.com/artists/d/DiamondRio.html

JoAnne Staler

RE/MAX Elite

109 Westpark Drive, Suite 100

Brentwood, TN, 37027

Cell: 615-319-3019

Office: 615-661-4400

Toll Free: 888-801-2666

JoAnne@JoAnneStaler.com

Diamond Rio is Coming to the Grand Ole Opry is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

This local, family owned company has commercial licensed hot air pilots who have earned the reputation that “safety comes first.”  Do you know that hot air balloons fill the sky in Franklin, TN on a regular basis?

Want to enjoy a great adventure from a bird’s eye view? Enjoy the quiet, smooth tour over secluded land, and watch as you are enlightened by the spectacular sunrise view that only a hot air balloon can offer. If morning isn’t your thing, hop a flight up in the sky to watch a beautiful sunset as it slowly descends behind the rolling hills of Tennessee. Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures is operated by FAA licensed, knowledgeable pilots who know how to navigate their hot air balloons with precision.  They are the only pilots who fly from Leipers Fork, an area that provides unparalleled, awe-inspiring views of untouched wilderness, landscapes, and wildlife.

When preparing for your first balloon trip, remember to dress according to the weather. Since balloon flights are year-round, this can vary. A balloon flight last between one and one-half hours: however, you will need to add an extra two hours for additional preparations such as meeting, packing up, landing, and returning to your vehicle.

Of all the activities available in Franklin, TN, ballooning has become one the most popular. This reasonably priced journey is accompanied by a trained pilot, who is familiar with the winds and navigational rules that keep riders safe. You can also reserve a balloon for a private flight to celebrate your anniversary, birthday or any other event you would love to remember. All kinds of adventures are available from Private, Dawn Patrol, Extreme Adventures and Tethered rides. Each ends with a Mimosa (champaign and orange juice) drink to salute.

Hop aboard the ride of your life at Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures where hot air balloons fill the sky in Franklin, TN. For more information you can go to their website or call, 615-584-6236.

JoAnne Staler

RE/MAX Elite

109 Westpark Drive, Suite 100

Brentwood, TN, 37027

Cell: 615-319-3019

Office: 615-661-4400

Toll Free: 888-801-2666

JoAnne@JoAnneStaler.com

Hot Air Balloons Fill the Sky in Franklin, TN is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

In the heart of this iconic town, there are popular artists and writers throughout the hills. Now “Country Music USA” in Nashville, TN has become a hot spot for folks to board the journey on the largest show boat in the world. This styled showboat identically designed after the first paddlewheel riverboat that cruised the Cumberland River in the 1800’s, was named after the first steamboat that sailed the river in 1817.

As the General Jackson cruise ship leaves shore off the Cumberland River, the music strikes a chord with all on board. The “Country Music USA” show, performing now through November, is a sentimental journey through American music. The exact songs that gave a voice to America were sung by legendary singers such as Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire and Garth Brooks, can now be enjoyed by all. If you have ever been to Nashville, Tennessee, you know that their southern hospitality always affords moments for contemporary, artist such as Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, and Taylor Swift to join them in bringing a well-rounded and loved musical show to for all generations.

Not only is the music sensational, the lovely three-course dinner and relaxing cruise down the Cumberland, will finish off the evening in grandeur. On the General Jackson Dinner Cruise and Show, you will experience the most memorable moments aboard this historic 300-foot long General Jackson Showboat. The General Jackson Dinner Cruise is one of the most popular activities available in Nashville, TN.

The serene surroundings, coupled with music from the heart of Nashville, TN are an excellent duo to any evening in Nashville. Whether you are in search of a romantic evening, dancing or festive entertainment, the General Jackson Showboat can fit the bill. Now you can either book your tickets online and save a little dough, or for more information, give us a call at 888-881-3279.

JoAnne Staler

RE/MAX Elite

109 Westpark Drive, Suite 100

Brentwood, TN, 37027

Cell: 615-319-3019

Office: 615-661-4400

Toll Free: 888-801-2666

JoAnne@JoAnneStaler.com

Country Music USA in Nashville, TN is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

It’s heating up outside so how do we maximize our buying/selling results in the heat? Here are 5 Summer Real Estate Tips from Jamey Wolbert that will help us attack the summer season. There are typically more active buyers and sellers during the summer months. Here are some tips and trends to make your summer season the most effective.

1. Sellers: Don’t Forget the Outside

During summer, and outdoor space are especially important aspects of your home sale. Maximize the space by keeping the exterior clean, organized, and inviting. Pressure washing, lawn care, and other regular maintenance tasks can do wonders for your bottom line.

2. Buyers: Don’t Forget the Inside

It can be easy to get swept away by a great fenced lawn, pool, deck, and other exterior features, especially when you are house hunting at the peak of summer. But don’t let visions of outdoor relaxation and entertaining distract you from other essential home features or sway you into overlooking interior concerns.

3. Sellers: Know Your Competition

With more houses on the market, knowing what you are up against is key. Being aware of other homes for sale in your neighborhood can help you define your home’s own weaknesses and strengths. Reviewing information on area listings can also help ensure that you price your home right.

4. Buyers: Remember Your Goals

When a surge of homes come on the market at the start of summer, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by all of the options. Don’t lose sight of the features that are most important to you, and try to set reasonable expectations that suit your budget, lifestyle, and overall needs.

5. Everybody: Don’t Get Squeezed by the Season

Even though summer is a prime time for buyers and sellers, don’t let the seasonal time frame become an added stress during your house hunt or home sale. Both buyers and sellers can find success throughout the year!

If you have questions or are looking for more tips, feel free to contact me directly!

Happy Summer 

JoAnne Staler

RE/MAX Elite

109 Westpark Drive, Suite 100

Brentwood, TN, 37027

Cell:  615-319-3019

Office:  615-661-4400

Toll Free: 888-801-2666

JoAnne@JoAnneStaler.com

Buying and Selling in the Heat is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

NBC’s Today Show just featured this home as a BEST BUY at $299,900!

Click here to view this home on the Today Show. Today  

Located at 8355 Saint Danasus Drive in Nashville TN this home for sale is perfectly poised on the best cul-de-sac in Lenox Village with a serene setting of extensively wooded acerage and a lovingly landscaped outdoor retreat complete with a stoned waterfall, firepit and built-in gas grill.

View a virtual tour of this fantastic Lenox Village home for sale in Nashville TN by clicking here.

Click here to see more photographs of and details on 8355 Saint Danasus Drive.

Lenox Village is a beautiful, walkable community with wide sidewalks, a Village Green with pavilion, tot lot and pocket parks. Lenox Village offers a maintenance-free lifestyle with lawn service provided by the HOA  and a community Town Center with shopping, dining, community cleaners, doctor’s office, hair salon and much more.  Click here to find out more about the award-winning all inclusive community of  Lenox Village located in Nashville Tennessee.

This Nashville TN 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 the Nashville area.  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.

Nashville TN Home Featured on NBC’s Today Show as BEST BUY is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

Tax Credits for Replacing Windows, Doors, and Skylights

By: Gil Rudawsky 

houselogic.com

Do you Qualify for the Tax Credit? 

• Your windows are drafty or more than 15 years old.
• You install qualifying replacements in 2009 or 2010.
• You haven’t already maxed out the energy tax credit on other upgrades.

 You might be able to keep at least some of that cash in your pocket by taking advantage of federal energy tax credits for retrofitting your house with qualified energy-efficient replacements. You can claim a tax credit of up to $1,500 for upgrading the windows, exterior doors, and skylights in your primary residence during 2009 and 2010.

The credit is based on 30% of the cost of materials, so a $5,000 purchase would max it out. But a tax credit alone isn’t reason enough to start calling contractors. Do a little homework first. The true value of replacing aging windows, doors, and skylights isn’t always an open-and-shut case.

Follow the 15-year rule for windows

A good rule of thumb for window replacement: Don’t bother if they’re less than 15 years old, says Jim Rooney, a home inspector in Annapolis, Md. The savings on your energy bills likely will be negligible since window technology hasn’t changed that radically and the integrity of your windows should still be intact. Shoddy installation or poor manufacturing may call for exceptions to the 15-year rule. Windows that are 20, 30, or more years old are prime candidates for replacement.

Taking advantage of the tax credit

A credit is especially valuable because it directly reduces the amount of tax owed, as opposed to a deduction, which lowers the amount of taxable income. To be eligible for the full credit you must owe more in federal taxes than you’re trying to claim. Use IRS Form 5695 to take advantage of the credit, which is cumulative for 2009 and 2010 only. You can’t claim $1,500 for each tax year, but you can spread the $1,500 over the two-year period.

Uncle Sam may want proof that your new windows, doors, and skylights meet energy-efficiency standards, so be sure to save receipts, product stickers, and certification statements. The latter can often be found on packaging or manufacturers’ web sites. As for receipts, ask contractors to itemize expenses. Installation costs aren’t eligible for the credit; only materials are.

Click here to read this houselogic article in full.

This information was brought to you by JoAnne Staler, Nashville  TN REALTOR with RE/MAX Elite.  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 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 Tennessee Homeowner Tips and Trends.

Get Tax Credits for Home Improvements in Nashville TN is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

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.

Affordable Housing Makes Ownership Possible in Nashville TN is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

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/.

Franklin TN Home Buyers Looking for Outdoor Living Spaces is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

Nashville REALTOR JoAnne Staler Awarded Green Designation is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate