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

Beyond the Farmers’ Market: Why Buying Local Goods and Services is Good for You, the Community, and the Environment

Thursday, March 31, 6:30-7:30 pm, Green Hills Library, Free and Open to the Public

A growing trend in sustainability is the focus on local and regional economies. Local food is a great beginning, but local buying can go even further. Lots of goods are still manufactured in America – even in Brentwood and  Nashville. Learn how you can build a stronger local community through your personal purchases. This session will specifically look at the Nashville and Tennessee economies, and their financial, environmental, and social metrics through the lens of sustainability.

Why buy local?

1. Buying within the Brentwood and Nashiville communities or the state of Tennessee can help stimulate the economy.
2. More jobs are stabilized and created.
3. Tax money stays in your state to help fund local programs.
4. It helps the owners of the products you like to keep producing them.
5. It insures that you know where your food is coming from and who is growing it and how, and,
6. When you keep your money local, everyone benefits.

Presenters:

Rachel Martin, co-owner, (n)habit environmental supply + design. Rachel will discuss one of the store’s main criteria when looking for goods to sell at (n)habit: how closely to Nashville the product was extracted, harvested or manufactured. (n)habit now carries an impressive array of home finishing products that were produced in or around Nashville, including tile, countertops, sinks, cedar lumber, and many more. Rachel, her husband Edward and their daughter Olive have recently moved into the HWEN neighborhood!

Jeff Gowdy, owner of J. Gowdy Consulting, advises companies on developing profitable solutions around sustainability and social responsibility. Jeff is also an instructor at Vanderbilt University’s Owen School of Management’s Executive Development Institute. He will discuss the three pillars of sustainability in business: 1) growing financially while 2) improving environmental responsibility and 3) advancing social impact. He will address how to strengthen your local community through local purchasing.

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

Those who have worked with Naasa appreciate knowing the purchase of their new home is in the hands of a capable and trustworthy REALTOR®. It just makes sense to turn to a professional who cares about your needs and will go the extra mile to meet them.

www.JoAnneStaler.com is brought to you by JoAnne Staler, Brentwood TN Real Estate
NUMBER1EXPERT in real estate for Brentwood, Franklin and Williamson County TN
Visit my website at www.JoAnneStaler.com
Click here to Search for Brentwood TN Homes.
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Brentwood and Nashville – Sustainability – Buy Local 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

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.

RE/MAX of Tennessee voted Number 1 is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

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.

Must-Have Features in New Nashville TN Homes is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

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…

Builders Downsize the Dream Home JoAnne Staler Nashville REALTOR is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate

Spring is the ideal time to sell your Nashville TN home!  The weather is comfortable for home buyers and curb appeal is at its prime.  Check out the following article to help get your Nashville TN home ready to sell without spending big bucks.

Budget Home Updates

Need to spruce up your house before you sell? These low-cost upgrades will boost your market value without breaking the bank.

By Kara Wahlgren, FrontDoor.com

Most homeowners have a room or two they’d like to overhaul, and when you’re looking to sell, those must-do projects seem even more important. But while a major renovation might boost your home’s value, does anyone really have the bottomless bank account to fund those big projects? The average home staging budget is only 1 percent to 3 percent of your home’s value — hardly enough to finance those handmade hickory cabinets for your kitchen or marble mantle for your fireplace.

“If you’re getting ready to sell in the next few months, major renovations are probably not going to pay off,” says staging expert Lori Matzke. According to a report from Remodeling magazine, even a swanky $50,000 kitchen remodel will only earn back about 80 percent of its cost when you sell. A smarter bet? Stick to inexpensive upgrades that can make a huge difference in your home’s saleability. These simple projects will get you the most bang for your buck.

Fix what’s broken.
Got a broken heater? A cracked ceiling? A torn screen door? Put your money into these overdue repairs before you start worrying about cosmetic improvements. “A rule of thumb is, if it’s there and in disrepair, you need to fix it,” Matzke says. “Buyers are looking for a house that’s in working condition.” If they see a leaky faucet, they’ll wonder what else needs to be fixed. A few minor repairs can eliminate those red flags.

Create curb appeal.
First impressions are critical, especially in a competitive market. If half the homes in your neighborhood are boasting for-sale signs, curb appeal can give your property the edge — so put a fresh coat of paint on your siding, re-stain your deck or power-wash your patio, and trim back any overgrown shrubs. And don’t overlook your front door, which can be a make-or-break detail for would-be buyers. “It’s the first thing people see when they pull up, so do they want to come in or not?” Matzke says. If your entryway is lackluster, consider investing in a mahogany door or a decorative-glass style.

Click here to see inspiring low water gardens.

Lighten up.
It only takes a few dollars to make your home feel infinitely more warm and welcoming. If you’ve got clutter, box it up and put it in storage. Replace your mood lighting with the max allowable wattage for your fixtures. Tear down faded or dated wallpaper, and grab a few gallons of paint to cover up blemishes or soften a bold color palette. (So long, mauve living room!) “Neutral, neutral, neutral,” Matzke advises. “It sounds really boring, but most people are looking for a house they can move into right now.”

Modernize for less.
Kitchens and baths are big-ticket items, but there’s no need to plunk down thousands of dollars on a total overhaul. In these rooms, even minor upgrades — such as new faucets or fresh lighting fixtures — can reap major rewards, and a little elbow grease can go a long way. “Ripping out and replacing kitchen cabinets is great, but unless they’re really horrid, it’s probably better just to enamel them,” Matzke says. You can also find bargains on newer appliances and plumbing hardware at sites like eBay or Craigslist. In the bathroom, replacing a tired vanity with a pedestal sink can instantly renew the decor and create more space, and outdated vinyl flooring can be replaced with inexpensive ceramic tile. Many big-box home stores offer options for around a dollar per square foot, so tiling a small room won’t strain your wallet.

Finish it off.
A basement remodel can rack up hefty labor costs, but if you’re handy, it can be a profitable DIY project. Installing carpet and sheet rock in an unfinished basement instantly adds a few hundred square feet of living space; it’s like putting an addition on your home for a fraction of the cost. “A basement finish, if it’s done properly, is one of the best investments,” says Leslie Sellers, president-elect of the Appraisal Institute. “The most expensive items — the foundation and walls — are already taken care of.”

Go green.
Eco-friendly extras might seem like frivolous expenses, but according to the National Association of Realtors, nearly half of all homebuyers said energy efficiency was “very important” when considering a purchase. Don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you need to retrofit your home with solar panels or install bamboo floors in every room — but you may want to fix that drafty window or replace your stone-age dishwasher with an EnergyStar model. “These items will cut your energy bills down, make the house more comfortable while you’re living there, and add to the marketability of the home when you sell it,” Sellers says.

Click here to read about Building or Remodeling your Nashville TN home with GREEN products.

For more specific information about what updates sell homes in TN neighborhoods such as Brentwood, Franklin, Green Hills, or Belle Meade TN call me directly by clicking here or visit my website at www.JoAnneStaler.com

JoAnne Staler, Nashville Tennessee REALTOR with Rochford Realty & Construction Company is providing a unique level of service to home buyers and  home sellers in Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Williamson County, Green Hills, Belle Meade, Bellevue, West Meade, Forest Hills, Oak Hill, Vanderbilt, Belmont, Midtown, Downtown, Historic Areas, Spring Hill, and Thompson Station 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.

Budget Friendly Updates to help Sell Your Nashville TN Home is a post from: Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, Tennessee Real Estate